asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that County Galway farmers are now experiencing the greatest difficulty in obtaining a market for their wool, irrespective of price; and, if so, whether he will indicate the steps he proposes to take to avert the most serious losses being suffered by them on that account.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Wool Market.
Mr. Walsh
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy, but I understand that some farmers in County Galway and elsewhere held back part of their 1951 clips beyond the usual marketing season.
As I have indicated in reply to previous questions, wool is sold under free market conditions and there is no export or price restriction. Consequently this wool should find a market in the normal way.
I want to tell the Minister that there is no market for this year's clip. In the buying centres in the County Galway, to my knowledge, there is absolutely no market for wool at the moment, and no price is being offered.
Mr. Walsh
The wool market is controlled by world conditions. There is no restriction on the sale of wool here.