§ 66. Mr. Loganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that his proposals for the new fish zonal scheme, which becomes operative from Saturday, 17th instant, will result in Liverpool and some 18 counties getting an inferior type of fish; and whether he will take action before that date and make arrangements that Liverpool shall also get an equitable distribution of fish supplies landed at Scottish ports?
§ Mr. MabaneThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is "No, Sir." As regards the second part, it is essential that the internal transport of fish should be reduced and it would not be consonant with the operation of the scheme shortly to be put into effect to supply from Scotland a zone which can be adequately supplied from its own ports.
§ Mr. LoganIs the Minister aware that fish coming from Scotland goes to the South of England? Is it not possible to understand that fish coming from Scotland would have to pass through Liverpool, and therefore, from the point of view of transport, would it not be better and more economical to land it at Liverpool instead of giving preferential treatment to the South of England?
§ Mr. MabaneIt will not pass through Liverpool because the Scottish zone ends North of Liverpool.
§ Mr. LoganIt is not possible to understand that if it goes by road transport it will have to pass through these centres in order to go to London, and would it not be better to distribute the fish in the North?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir, it will not go there. Scottish fish will be confined to the Scottish and Hull zones, with the sole 1220 exception of London, because London has been made a zone to which surpluses from other zones may be sent.
§ Mr. LoganI understand that Scottish fish is to go to London from Scotland. Is it not better that you should give the North a choice of fish instead of the stuff that we are about to receive?