§ 51. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that washed Dorset down wool was bought on behalf of his Department at Dorchester for 28¾d. to 26¼d. per pound and sold shortly afterwards at Leicester for 68d. to 67d. and that a similar profit was obtained from other wool bought at Dorchester; whether he is aware of the resentment felt by sheep farmers at the high profits made by his Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe prices paid to producers for their 1947 wool clips were discussed with the Farmers' Unions of the United Kingdom before they were fixed, and at a time when the prices which have subsequently been realised for different types of wool could not be foreseen. The Government have sold the wool to the best advantage and have made profits on some sorts and losses on others. The high prices quoted by the hon. Member only apply to a proportion of the Dorset wools, of which some have been sold at a loss