§ 1. Mr. Foulkesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current price of wool per kilo; and what action the Government have taken to influence it.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John MacGregor)The average market price during May was 104.3p per kilo. Wool prices are determined at auction and are not influenced by Government action, but returns to producers are guaranteed through the stabilisation fund operated by the British Wool Marketing Board.
§ Mr. FoulkesIs the Minister aware that the price of wool from the Falkland Islands sold in the United Kingdom is controlled wholly by the Falkland Islands Company because of its monopoly over the storage of wool on the islands and the shipping of wool from the islands to the United Kingdom? What action will the Government, and especially the Minister, take to break that monopoly? What action will the Government take to deal with the company for its treachery in selling wool at inflated prices to Argentina during the occupation?
§ Mr. MacGregorHaving only recently arrived in the Department, I am not sure whether that question is the responsibility of my Department.
§ Mr. FoulkesTake it on, then.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe subject is more likely to be the responsibility of another Department, and I shall pass on the hon. Gentleman's representations.