29. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what are the estimates of fresh or wet ocean fish landed in the United Kingdom for 1913, exclusive of the exports of fish to England from Scotland and Ireland; and what proportion of the whole was exported to foreign countries?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Winfrey)The total landings of fish by British fishing vessels in the United Kingdom in 1913 was approximately 1,200,000 tons, of which quantity 43 per cent. was exported to foreign countries. In case my hon. Friend requires further details, I am sending him a copy of the Annual Report on Sea Fisheries for the year 1913.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not the case that the figures show that the actual catch is at least 50 per cent. greater than the amount of fish landed in peace times, owing to the then destruction of fish for the sake of keeping up prices?
§ Sir R. WINFREYI am afraid I cannot say whether that is true or not.
§ 44. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there is dissatisfaction at his fixing only one set of prices for fish, and 1355 that this list of prices is being charged by some wholesale dealers and that it is quite impossible for retail dealers to buy and sell small quantities at a profit, as they must sell at the controlled prices; and whether, in view of the necessity of keeping all retailers supplied with fish at the present time, he will consider as to issuing a wholesale and retail list of prices for fish the same as he has done for other goods?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Food Controller is conferring with the different sections of the trade with a view to working out a satisfactory scheme for the control of prices at intermediate stages of distribution, but I am not at present in a position to make a definite announcement on the subject.
§ Mr. GILBERTCan the hon. Gentleman state when such an announcement will be made?
§ Mr. CLYNESI can only give my hon. Friend the assurance that we are working hard on this matter in consultation with the parties interested, and hope that a decision will be given at an early date.