41. Colonel THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food who was responsible for leaving 25 tons of fish on Exchange Station, Manchester, to go bad in the hot weather of Thursday and Friday last; whether this largely consisted of fresh herrings; whether, within 300 yards of this spot, herrings were being retailed at 7d. and 8d. per lb.; and whether he proposes to prosecute the persons to whom these goods were consigned for the waste so caused?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs far as I have been able to ascertain, a consignment of herring reached Manchester on Wednesday and Thursday, 5th June and 6th, consigned to three Manchester firms. There was some delay in transit, and the local food control committee were notified that some of the herrings were unfit for human consumption and that the supply of fish exceeded the demand. The committee disposed of all the unsold herrings which remained in good condition to the Red Cross Society and to local institutions. They report that less than one-third of the whole consignment was wasted. I am making further investigations, and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether the state of affairs was that the supply exceeded the demand or that the increased supply would have reduced the price?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly, the supply did exceed the demand.