HC Deb 04 June 1924 vol 174 cc1249-50
78. Mrs. WINTRINGHAM

asked the, Minister of Agriculture if, considering the difference between the price of fish at the quayside and in the shop, he will set up a committee of inquiry in order to discover the causes of the discrepancy and to recommend remedial measures?

Mr. ALLEN PARKINSON (Comptroller of the Household)

The question raised has been under consideration for a long time past, and my right hon. Friend does not think that any inquiry would add to the knowledge of the facts in his possession, or would be the means of discovering a remedy. A very considerable discrepancy between the wholesale and retail prices of fish is due to its perishable nature and the fluctuations in supply.

Viscount WOLMER

Will the hon. Gentleman say where the Minister of Agriculture is?

Mr. BUCHANAN

He is lifting his winnings on Sansovino!