asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the Emergency Powers (Clean Wool) Order, 1944, will cause inconvenience and hardship to sheep owners, and seriously hamper the marketing of wool; and if he will consider the advisability of suspending the operation of the Order for a period of 12 months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clean-Wool Order.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by suspending the operation of the Order for 12 months.
Is the Minister aware that this Order is causing consternation not only amongst producers but also amongst merchants purchasing the wool? As a matter of fact, a number of merchants in Wicklow, and I am sure in other countries, have decided to get out of the purchase of wool altogether. In view of the hardship and dislocation which would be caused, would the Minister not consider postponing the Order for 12 months and giving the farmers adequate notice that it is his intention to bring in such a drastic Order to give them a chance of preparing for it by not branding their sheep in this way?
There was a substantial measure of agreement amongst producers that this Order should be brought in.
When?
Before it was brought in.
Surely ample notice should be given. As a matter of fact, farmers have already clipped sheep and have not complied with the terms of the Order and the result is that their wool will be unsaleable in the future. In view of the condition of the cattle, sheep and other markets, it will be a terrible thing to hold up the sale of wool.