asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the recent prices fixed for wool of 2/- per lb. washed and 1/7 per lb. unwashed, are not in fact being paid and that producers in Wexford are obtaining from buyers only 1/10 and 1/5 per lb. respectively; and if he will have this matter investigated with a view to ensuring that the fixed prices will in future be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wool Prices.
The fleece wool which is the subject of the question appears to be deep-bred wool of the Lincoln and Leicester type, the maximum prices for which are 2/- per lb. washed and 1/7 per lb. unwashed, as set out in Emergency Powers (Fleece Wool and Skin Wool) (Maximum Prices) Order, 1944. These prices are maximum prices and not fixed prices. It is natural to assume that the maximum prices are paid only for the best wool of this quality and that normal deductions are made from the price in respect of any sub-standard wools. Following a recent complaint that maximum prices were not being paid generally for wool by dealers and merchants, I arranged to give widespread publicity to the maximum prices fixed by the Order, so that farmers would have full knowledge of the maximum prices fixed when effecting sales of wool. I could not undertake to do any more in the matter. The chief function of my Department is to ensure that prices in excess of the maximum prices are not paid.
Will the wool producers be given protection, and will the Minister take steps to ensure that the fixed price for wool will be paid?
So far as the Department is concerned, we have fixed maximum prices.
I am referring to washed wool and unwashed wool. The price of washed wool is 2/- a lb., and the price of unwashed wool is 1/7 a lb., and yet the wool merchants are only paying 1/10 and 1/5 respectively. I think I am a better judge of wool than the Minister is. At any rate, I have handled more of it.
I am not disputing that.
Does the Minister not realise that once he fixes a price, there is a responsibility on his Department to see that a fair deal is given, and that the element of competition should not be eliminated?
I do not think that the element of competition is being destroyed as a result of this. I warned the Dáil last year that there was a big carry-over of wool from last year and that the high prices that prevailed last year would not exist this year, apart from any question of the fixing of prices. If, however, there is evidence of certain dealers continuing to bring down the price for the wool, I should be glad to get evidence of that, but so far as the Department of Supplies is concerned, our main concern is to see that prices are not unduly inflated.
Has the Minister not said that it is his function to see that maximum prices are not exceeded?
Yes.
Are we to take it, then, that the Minister does not care a straw what happens to the producers, so long as these maximum prices are not exceeded?
No; that is not what I said.
In the case of other articles of merchandise, a message can be sent over the 'phone and an inspector can be sent down immediately to see what is happening. I suggest, therefore, that an inspector could be sent down to see that the wool producer would get a first-class price for a first-class article.
I do not think the Government is under any obligation other than to let the farmer know what are the maximum prices that have been fixed. The function of the Department is to see that the maximum prices are complied with.
And not a minimum price?
No.