asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the bad price being offered at the moment for wool, he will consider providing a subsidy.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Wool Prices.
26.
The decline in world demand for wool has been responsible for lower market prices, and I do not consider that any State intervention here by way of subsidy or otherwise is practicable.
Payments under my Department's sheep subsidy scheme this year will be about £1,750,000, and all sheep owners will benefit from these, as well as from the price support on carcase lamb exports.
Would the Minister think there is as good a case for his stepping in and subsidising the price of wool as there is for subsidising sheep? There is a better case really.
I would not think that would be the right way to do it.
Does the Minister think a price of 10p per lb is a fair or reasonable return to sheep farmers in the west?
The Minister deplores the fact that about 80 per cent of our wool is exported and, because it is, it must contend with world markets. In the world markets natural fibres of all kinds are being depressed by man-made synthetic fibres. That fact is inescapable. That is how it is. I think the means being adopted now for the support of the sheep industry are the best ones and not the ones advocated by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that wool has dropped in price from a maximum of roughly 3s last year to 2s this year? Is there a 33? per cent drop in world prices? Is the Minister not aware there is a ganging up? Wool is profitable but the merchants are not giving a fair price to the farmers. Will the Minister investigate the position to ensure that the farmers get a fair and just price?
I am aware that Deputy L'Estrange has selected the optimum price of top quality Suffolk wool in last year's market. He is also using the starting price of the wool market which has only barely opened up this year.
Does the Minister know that the price offered at the moment is 1s 8d to 2s? Last year the price was 2s 8d to 3s per lb. The maximum price being paid is 2s. Does the Minister intend to allow the farmers to be fleeced?
It is customary to fleece the sheep, not the farmers.
They are fleecing the farmers now as well as the sheep.