asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will indicate the production and price prospects for wool for 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wool Production and Price.
25.
Production of wool in 1976 is likely to be lower because of the recent decline in sheep numbers. As regards price, it is not possible at this stage to forecast with any degree of accuracy trends in the immediate future as the price of Irish wool depends on the world market. The improved price, however, which prevailed since December is likely to be maintained for 1976.
Would the Minister like to say what percentage of the 1975 crop is still in the hands of the producers?
I have not got that information but I can say there has been a very big price increase in wool since the early part of the year. Prices early on ranged from 20p to 23p per lb. for lowland wool and 14p to 16p for mountain blackfaced types. Later there is a steady increase in price and the present figures are 34p to 37p for lowland wool and 20p to 23p for mountain blackfaced wool. All of these are indications of the steady increase. People may be holding on to wool to get still higher prices. It is not that there are not available markets.
Will the Minister say whether there will be contamination or deterioration through dampness because of poor storage facilities?
If there is danger of deterioration there is no reason why the wool cannot be sold. There has been a substantial increase in price and if people fear deterioration they should not keep the wool. It does not seem sensible.