asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of wool packs necessary for the purpose of exporting wool to the United States of America, and if he will say whether any efforts have been made by his Department to secure the return of packs exported under wool to that country during the past two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Wool Packs.
I am not aware that there is an acute shortage of wool packs for the purpose of exporting wool to the United States of America. On the contrary, my agreement to the resumption of exports last autumn was given only after assurances had been obtained from the wool trade that, when sufficient packs had been set aside to meet the requirements of the home market, there would be sufficient packs available for the export trade for about two years. I am assured by the trade that the principal exporters of wool have sufficient packs on hands to cover exports for a period of 12 months from now.
The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. Representations on the subject were, however, forwarded to my Department yesterday. These representations will be fully considered.
Was the Minister assured recently that there are ample supplies?
This morning.