§ 19. Mr. GRITTENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in spite of repeated representations with regard to the delay in the transport of fish from the ports to the markets and notwithstanding the appeals to him on the subject, the transportation of fish only from King's Cross Station to Billingsgate Market often takes no less than nine hours; and whether he will, in the interests of fishermen, fish merchants, and consumers, take immediate measures to alter this state of affairs?
§ Sir A. GEDDESAny delays in the delivery of fish at Billingsgate Market are brought about largely by the arrangements existing at the market. As the result of a conference which I called last month between representatives of the Corporation of London and the railway companies, steps are being taken to improve the situation.
§ Mr. GRITTENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that through these delays in transportation it is impossible in many cases for the fishermen to sell their fish; and also because of the high price of coat many trawlers are being laid up; and can he see his way to use his good offices with the Coal Controller to reduce the price of coal to the owners of steam trawlers?