§ 58. Captain CARR-GOMMasked what proportion of the prices fixed for sea fish will be received by the fishermen, on whose behalf, as it is stated, the prices have been fixed at their present rate?
Mr. PARKERThe prices received by fishermen vary in accordance with a number of factors; including the cost of transport and the variety of fish. In some of the largest fishing ports fish are not sold by weight, and it is not practicable to establish a fixed relation between the landing and retail prices.
§ 59. Mr. WATTasked how many barrels of salt or pickled herrings of last year's cure are still in stock in Scotland; have prices been fixed by the Controller for these fish; if so, what are these prices, 1128 wholesale and retail; and have any steps been taken by any Government Department, and, if so, what steps and by what Department, to bring the food value of such herrings to the notice of the public?
Mr. PARKERThe stocks of pickled herrings of 1917 cure still on hand in Scotland amounts to about 30,000 barrels. The maximum wholesale prices vary, according to grade, from 28s. to 50s. per whole barrel to the wholesaler, and from 30s. 9d. to 55s. to the retailer, to which may be added the cost of transport. The maximum retail price fixed for pickled herrings is 6d. per lb. The Ministry of Food have taken active measures, with the assistance of the fish trade, by means of propaganda and otherwise, to stimulate the public demand for pickled herrings, and these measures have been so successful that no difficulty is anticipated in disposing readily of actual and prospective. supplies.