HC Deb 15 September 1939 vol 351 cc902-3
27. Sir J. Nall

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can now make any statement as to the re-organisation of the arrangements for control of the distribution of supplies of fish through the Manchester fish market?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

The scheme of control of fish is at present under review, and I am not in a position at present to add to the statement which I made during the course of the Debate on 13th September.

Mr. Grenfell

Has the right hon. Gentleman had representations from the industrial valleys of South Wales, where there has been a serious shortage of fish for some time, and, having regard to their inaccessibility, will he make special arrangements to see that fish is sent to them?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, the conditions in that district were brought to my notice, and I am dealing with the matter as one of urgency.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since the fish trade in Hull was reorganised under the authority of his Department the conditions there are just chaotic?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that there have been complaints with regard to Hull in particular. The matter has been aggravated there by the requisitioning of a very large number of trawlers.

Sir J. Nall

Was not the chaotic state of affairs clearly indicated in the Debate the other day and no steps have so far been taken to mitigate them? We are now entering upon another week of chaos while the Minister goes on considering it. Can he not suspend the scheme in the meantime?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir, I cannot agree that no improvement has taken place in the position. A great deal of improvement has taken place, and I am very anxious to put a proper scheme into operation as soon as possible. The course which the hon. Member recommends would not be in the public interest at the present time.

Mr. Mathers

Can the Minister say when he will be able to make the position definite?

Mr. Morrison

I do not wish to pin myself down to a date, but it will be as early as possible.

Mr. Thorne

Has the Minister any power to regulate supplies because he will be aware that many thousands of people have fish and potatoes for lunch and supper, and if he will see that the fish fryers get their share we shall be much obliged?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the importance of fried fish to large sections of the people, and that part of the scheme is being specially reviewed.