§ 47. Mr. Boothbyasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that, although herring are caught in large quantities around our coasts at most periods of the year, in many districts they are unobtainable and in others the price is prohibitive; and whether he will consult with the Herring Industry Board with a view to securing a wider and more efficiently organised distribution of herring of all kinds, at cheaper prices, amongst the civil population of this country?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am not aware of herring being unobtainable except in localities at long distances from the landing ports, where the demand is small and costs of transport exceptionally high. Prices are already subject to a Maximum Prices Order, and I have received few complaints that the maximum prices fixed are too high. So far as I have been able to ascertain, the existing channels of distribution are adequate to the needs of the 643 trade, but if my hon. Friend has any suggestions for their improvement, I shall be glad to consider them in consultation with the other Departments concerned.
§ 59. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps are being taken to prepare in advance an efficient system of marketing to ensure that the herring caught during the winter fishing season on the Firth of Forth shall be disposed of at adequate prices to the fishermen and for the benefit of consumers in this country?
§ Mr. MorrisonFrom inquiries which I have had made and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, it appears that the ordinary channels of distribution are expected to be adequate to deal with such herring as are landed.