HC Deb 24 July 1939 vol 350 cc1010-2
36. Mr. Goldie

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the restrictions on the landing of fish in this country have resulted in a large increase in the cost of fish as an article of human consumption; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

39. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture how he intends to meet increasing complaints from fish-friers and other such consumers of fish about a shortage of supplies, believed to be due to the restrictions on fish landings and not to the quantity of fish available?

40. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what restrictions there are on fish landings; and what effect they have had on the price of fish?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Landings of fish in this country may be said to be restricted by the Sea-Fishing Industry (Restriction of Fishing in Northern Waters) Order, and by the voluntary scheme of control operated by the Hull and Grimsby trawler owners. The restrictions under the Northern Waters Order expire at the end of this month: the voluntary control scheme is worked by the industry itself on its own account and I have no power to intervene. I regret that I have no statistical information relating to retail prices of fish. Port prices of demersal fish in the first six months of 1938 and 1939 were somewhat higher than in the corresponding periods of 1936 and 1937 when prices were exceptionally low, but they were about the same level as in 1934 and 1935; 1937 was, in fact, a record year for high landings and low prices. I would add that landings of demersal fish have increased by more than one half since 1913; at the same time port prices in 1938 were no higher than before the War and were the cause of grave difficulties for the trawling industry.

Mr. Goldie

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend not realise that fish constitutes the staple evening diet of the working class; and in view of the way in which fish prices are rising, can he not take action in the interests of the consumers?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

My hon. and learned Friend will realise that the prices obtained for fish have a very great bearing on the number of people who can be employed in the industry, and that it is important to see that the fishermen also get a square deal.

Mr. T. Wiliams

Is there not a committee in existence to watch fluctuations in prices, and can it not look into this matter?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Lipson

Will the Minister have more regard, in future legislation, to the interests of the consumers, who have suffered very badly?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

We must first be sure that there are supplies of fish.

Mr. J. Morgan

Can some inquiry be made as to the soundness of the feelings of the fish fryers in this matter? They were subject last season to the one lb. potato restriction, and the whole business is getting knocked sideways by this type of legislation.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is there any reason why the interests of the fishermen should not be considered?

38. Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious effect produced on the popular supply of fish and chips by, on the one hand, restrictions on fish landing and, on the other hand, by the draft amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme; and whether, to allay anxiety and to protect the consumer, he will postpone laying the latter before Parliament until the autumn?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

With regard to the draft amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I am giving to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir J. Smedley Crooke), and as regards fish landings, to my reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Warrington (Mr. Goldie) and the hon. Members for Doncaster (Mr. J. Morgan) and Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

Mr. Thorne

Is the Minister not aware that thousands of families in this country have fish and chips for their dinner and supper, and will he not see that they have as large a supply as possible?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have no reason to believe that they have not enough fish.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that we are getting petitions from people on this matter, and will he give the matter reconsideration?

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