HC Deb 30 April 1941 vol 371 cc433-4
47. Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that the failure to control prices of fresh fish results in fancy prices being paid by merchants with wealthy customers while shops serving working-class areas cannot obtain supplies at prices their customers can afford to pay; and whether he will remedy this position?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, be aware of the statement made by my Noble Friend on 22nd April, in another place, to the effect that he is co-operating with those who trade in fish with a view to securing reasonable distribution at a reasonable price and that if the fish trade is unable to secure this he will not hesitate to take such steps as may be necessary to attain this end.

Mr. Mathers

Is it not the practice for the Ministry to accept the decision of the local committee with regard to the setting-up of shops of this kind, and why was this not done in the case to which I have drawn attention?