asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the limited market for wool during the years 1973 and 1974; whether the outlook for 1975 is more optimistic; and the steps he proposes to take to ensure better market prospects.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wool Marketing Prospects.
124.
There has been, since early 1974, a world-wide recession in the wool trade, particularly for the coarser carpet wools which are our main wool exports. There is as yet no trend towards an improvement in the wool trade position. As regards market prospects for Irish wool, An Chomhairle Olla has made visits to most of the EEC countries, the eastern bloc in Europe and Japan, aimed at developing new markets there.
Would the Minister not agree that nothing can really be done about the wool market without a full-time wool marketing board, like the British Wool Marketing Board?
That is a separate question.
The present board have no control whatever on prices.