§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has received regarding the operation of the British wool marketing scheme; what complaints she has received from British wool merchants regarding the purchase of British wool by foreign buyers; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on this issue. Included among these were complaints from two companies of British wool merchants regarding the ability of foreign buyers to purchase wool directly from United Kingdom producers. My right hon. Friend has also received representations from the Confederation of British Wool Textiles Ltd. which emphasise that approximately 98 per cent. of all United Kingdom wool merchants strongly support the Government's decision to retain the British wool marketing scheme.