46. Mr. Robertsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why his Department consider it necessary to purchase all salmon and grilse from Eire at 4s. per lb; and what steps he is taking to get the maximum catch from British salmon fisheries, as salmon can be caught without incurring the risks which fishermen incur in the open sea and without using coal or petrol-driven vessels?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)The price of 4s. per lb. applied only until 15th May. The purchase price for the remainder of the season is 2s. 6d. per lb. My Noble Friend is not convinced of the necessity for taking steps of the kind suggested in the last part of the Question.
Mr. RobertsonIs it not a fact that British fisheries are working to only 40 per cent. of capacity, and is it further not a fact that the Scottish Office and the Ministry of Labour are anxious to get the small number of men necessary to take advantage of this rich food harvest, but that they get no support from my right hon. and gallant Friend's Department?