§ 36. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the consumption of fish per head of population has fallen considerably during the past 10 to 15 years; and whether he proposes to take any steps to encourage a greater consumption of this form of food?
§ Captain HACKINGThe actual decline of the consumption of fish per head of the population which has been recently reported by my Department is not very marked, especially when regard is had to the increase of the population. The point emphasised by the recent Report is rather the absence of any tendency towards a greater and more general use of fish as a staple article of food My right hon. Friend is now considering the various directions in which it may be possible to foster the fishing industry, and will bear in mind the importance of developing the home market.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHas anything been done to encourage research in the direction of the scientific preservation of fish'?
§ Captain HACKINGI am afraid I must have notice of that question.
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENWill the Minister of Agriculture take into consideration the cost of fish and the question of profiteering?
§ Captain HACKINGI am sure that my right hon. Friend will take everything into consideration.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the Minister consider the advisability of taking over the control of the fish markets, thus eliminating the scorpions there who are forcing up the price of fish?