§ 71. Major MKENZIE WOODasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that there is extensive profiteering at present on nets and other fishing gear; and whether, seeing that maximum prices have been fixed for fish, maximum prices can also be fixed for the gear required to, catch the fish?
Mr. ROBERTSMy Department has not received any complaints in respect of profiteering in fishing nets and gear. As regards the second part of the question, I have no power to fix maximum prices in respect of the sale of these articles.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the price of fish which has been. fixed there is great danger of many fishing vessels on the North-East. Coast of England having to be laid up, and that there will be a shortage of fish?
Mr. ROBERTSThat is not my opinion, otherwise I would not have fixed the price. I always realised that in fixing prices you have to have regard to the necessity for securing supplies, and we believe that the prices we have fixed are sufficient to maintain supplies and to provide adequate remuneration.