HC Deb 13 April 1932 vol 264 cc815-6
32. Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the unsuitability of Billingsgate fish market to deal with the increased volume of trade, he will consider introducing legislation to find a solution by the provision of a subsidiary market near one of the great London railway termini?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)

No, Sir. I understand that considerable doubt exists as to whether such an arrangement as that referred to would be workable.

33. Sir A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the committee which drew up the Fishing Industry Report, 1932, received evidence that the daily price lists issued by the Billingsgate market authorities do not represent actual prices; what steps he has taken to see that the market authorities issue correct price lists in future; and does he propose to introduce legislation to secure that the price lists in question shall be more in accord with the facts?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am aware that the committee reported that they had received complaints to the effect set out in the question. I am considering the report of the committee in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and other Ministers concerned, but I regret I cannot anticipate the conclusions that may be reached on this or any other recommendation of the committee.

34. Sir A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement about the negotiations which have been proceeding with the Corporation of the City of London in relation to the site of the Customs House in order to provide more facilities for the sale of fish than are at present afforded by Billingsgate fish market?

Sir J. GILMOUR

A brief account of these negotiations is given in paragraph 103 of the report of the Committee on the Fishing Industry recently published, Cmd. No. 4012, which my hon. Friend has no doubt read, to which I have nothing to add.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

I have read the report, but may I ask whether it is the question of costs which stands in the way?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The whole problem must be considered, and I cannot give any opinion at the moment.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

If it is a question of cost, seeing that the Empire Marketing Board are very interested in promoting the North Sea fisheries, could not an application be made to the Empire Marketing Board for a grant?

Sir J. GILMOUR

That is another matter to be considered.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Is it not a fact that the contribution from the State to the Empire Marketing Board has been curtailed?

Sir J. GILMOUR indicated assent.