HC Deb 14 July 1919 vol 118 cc4-6
19. Major M'KENZIE WOOD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that at Fraserburgh, on the 4th July, 1919, and other days, herrings could not be accepted by the railway authorities for dispatch to the home markets because there were no wagons in which to convey the fish; whether he is aware that great loss is being caused to the fishing industry in the North of Scotland, and elsewhere, by the dearth of railway wagons and by delays in transit of fish over the railways; and what steps he proposes to take, in view of the perishable nature of fish, to ensure that adequate railway facilities will be available for the fish trade and to prevent the continued destruction of food?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I was not aware of the facts mentioned in this question, but I will have inquiries made. I may add that very large quantities of fish have recently been conveyed by the railway companies to the markets. The railway companies are making every effort to deal with this traffic.

27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the losses being suffered by the fishing and fish-trading industries owing to delays on the railways; and whether any steps can be taken in the public interest to provide extra cold storage for fish and to otherwise prevent this waste of valuable food?

The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)

I have been asked to reply. The Railway Executive are making every effort to meet the requirements of the fishing industry, and I understand that special provisions have been made to meet the present ab- normal fish traffic. With regard to the second part of the question the provision of cold storage for fish caught in home waters is at present the subject of an inquiry instituted by the Food Investigation Board.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are steps being taken to provide sufficient trucks for the conveyance of fish?

Mr. ROBERTS

Yes, special arrangements are being made, and I understand considerable improvement has already ensued.

Mr. TICKLER

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the condition of the quay at Grimsby, where on last Thursday the railway company were not able to supply the necessary trucks to carry the fish to the inland market until 5 p.m., which is the time fixed for the loaded trains to leave the fish docks; is he aware that this occasioned much delay, and that the fish did not get away until 10 p. m. and in consequence arrived too late for the inland market, and that the feeling of uncertainty about being able to secure transport facilities has caused much disorganisation in the fish market, and has rendered it difficult to dispose of fish even at the most unremunerative prices, and will he cause the facts to be placed before the Railway Executive to have the necessary arrangements" made to deal more effectively with the distribution of this most important article of food?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Auckland Geddes)

My attention has been directed on more than one occasion to this question of fish traffic in general, and to Grimsby in particular, though I cannot say that I have heard the precise hour of departure of the fish train last Thursday, but I shall have full inquiries made and see if something cannot be done in connection with the matter.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—[Interruption]—that delays are also caused Interruption]—by shortage of labour on the railways, and will he consider the question of making arrangements for the employment of extra labour as soon as possible? [Interruption.] I will repeat my question if the right hon. Gentleman desires.

Sir A. GEDDES

I heard it all. The point to which my attention has now been directed is one which I have examined very fully in that connection, and I will see that attention is given to it.