§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the current(a) state and (b) competitiveness of the British wool industry. [184050]
§ Alun MichaelI have been asked to reply.
Sales of new season's British wool have begun well, with strong demand and prices firm compared to those achieved at the end of last season's selling in June. But the volatility of the world market and the influence of currency fluctuations and world events may lead to some slowing of the market.
The Government/Industry Forum on the Non-Food uses of Crops has considered ways to improve the competitiveness of the wool industry and included three recommendations in its second Annual Report. The 521W Government will respond to those recommendations soon. A copy of this report and the recommendations made can be found at: http://148.252.1.12/gifnfc/ index.asp.