HC Deb 26 February 1941 vol 369 cc514-5
52. Mr. Mander

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the advisability of controlling the price of fish and altering the present basis of allocation of cooking media to fish friers, in view of the great difficulties being experienced at the present time in this trade?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

My Noble Friend has the question of controlling the prices of fish under active consideration. As regards the allocation of cooking media to fish friers, he sees no. reason for making any alteration in the present basis which ensures equitable treatment between individual fish friers and between fish friers and other users.

Mr. Mander

In view of the fact that there is great dissatisfaction among fish friers on this subject, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see a deputation representing the National Federation of Fish Friers?

Major Lloyd George

I am always prepared to see anybody, but I cannot see the reason for their dissatisfaction. They get exactly the same as others, because there is perfectly equitable distribution.

Mr. Mander

None the less, there is great dissatisfaction.

68. Mr. Higgs

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that cods' fillets used by fish friers have now reached the price of 30s. a stone, as against 6s. a stone pre-war; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent the deprivation of the working class of their rightful share of the country's fish supplies?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the second part of my reply on 29th January to a Question by the hon. Member for Shettles-ton (Mr. McGovern).

Mr. Higgs

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that restrictions have been applied in the case of many foods before they have increased in price five times, and does he not consider that some restriction is long overdue in this case?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend is probably aware that the industry is at the present time trying to devise a scheme. I will say frankly that this is by far the most difficult problem the Ministry has to deal with. The industry is now engaged in devising a scheme, and everything that we can do to bring it about will be done.