§ 49. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster upon whose advice his Department relied when drafting the regulations for the control of the distribution of fish which have done much harm, and which have had to be withdrawn; and if he can assure the House that there is no risk that any further reliance will be placed upon advice from the same quarter?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The scheme was framed by the Department after consultation with representatives of the producers and distributors. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply which I gave to questions on this subject on 20th September.
§ Mr. LewisIs it not a fact that the advisory board met only once, that the scheme was presented to them as a completed scheme, and will my right hon. Friend say who is responsible for the drafting of that completed scheme?
§ Mr. MorrisonI understand that some consultation did take place, but it was not found possible to get unanimity of opinion in approving the scheme. Everybody who knows the fish trade will be surprised that any degree of unanimity on any point was reached.
§ Mr. LipsonWhen the right hon. Gentleman produces his scheme for food control, will he see that the consumers' point of view is fully considered?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe whole object of food control is to safeguard the interests of the consumer.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman accept full responsibility for the submission of the scheme, and can he say what is the cost?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am, of course, responsible for these matters. As regards the cost, I could not say what it is without notice.
§ Sir John HaslamWill the right hon. Gentleman see that in making all these Orders the retailer, who knows the wishes and desires of the consumers best, is consulted?
§ Mr. MorrisonI intend to take full advantage of the experience of retailers in these matters.