HC Deb 17 June 1920 vol 130 cc1455-6
77. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a quantity of fish consigned to Nuneaton from the Hull Billingsgate on the Monday did not arrive there till Tuesday evening; and, if in view of this and many other similar occurrences, will he grant immediate relief?

Mr. NEAL

The case mentioned is not sufficiently clearly defined to enable inquiry to be made, but if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have particulars of the consignment, sender, consignee, date, etc., I will investigate the case. The hon. and gallant Member was present at the Conference on 15th June, when the general question of fish traffic ways shows the exceptional care which the measures which are being taken owing to the intervention of the Ministry of Transport. The very greatly increased quantity of fish being carried by railways shows the exceptional care which is being bestowed on this traffic, and the organisation which has now been set up should ensure that all reasonable complaints will be promptly and properly attended to.

78. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Minister of Transport if he will invite the Fair Trading (Fish) Council formed by the Food Controller to nominate a member for the Rates Advisory Committee?

Mr. NEAL

The constitution of the Rates Advisory Committee is determined by Section 21, Sub-section (1), of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, and it is not open to me to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion. I would suggest that the fish trade should seek an opportunity of placing its views before the Committee at an appropriate stage of their inquiry.

Major ENTWISTLE

Is it a fact that the North Sea Fisheries Protection Association was invited to nominate a member to the Committee by the Government?

Mr. NEAL

I cannot think that can be the fact. The constitution of the Committee is strictly defined by the Statute, and such an inquiry must have been contrary to the Statute.

Major ENTWISTLE

The information I got on that point from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries is that this member had been invited.