§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the low prices of sheep pelts for the current year; whether he will state the cause; and what action is being taken?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am aware of the decline in the price of sheep pelts during the current year, which would appear to be due to the weakness of the market for sheep leather in this country, and to the continued contraction of the export market. In so far as this factor affects the price received for fat sheep, I would remind my hon. Friend that the Agricultural Development Bill contains provisions for ensuring producers against low prices.