§ 40 and 41. Mr. Higgsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether he is aware that the National Federation of Fish Friers consider that the allocation scheme to be adopted does not go far enough, nor does it ensure that the already established retailers will secure their supplies; and will he undertake to make the distribution equitable?
(2) whether he is aware that the National Federation of Fish Friers consider that margins could be reduced if a compulsory scheme of price-fixing was brought into being; and will he take steps to fix prices forthwith.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the basis of allocation and margins included in the voluntary scheme for the control of Icelandic cod, which has been drawn up by representatives of the fish trade, including the fish friers. The scheme is the result of a considerable effort among different sections of the trade and in order to give it a reasonable prospect of success my Noble Friend has agreed to embody prices suggested by the trade in a Maximum Price Order. This will, at least, put a stop to the constant rise in price, and if the distribution scheme is not operated successfully by the trade on a voluntary basis, my Noble Friend will take other steps to see that the interests of the consumer are safeguarded.