54. Mr. Macleanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the quantities of fish that are being withdrawn from Scottish ports to supply places in England previously supplied from Fleetwood?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)Under the revised White Fish Distribution Scheme, which came into operation on the 16th October, half the entitlement of the Manchester market has been transferred from Fleetwood to Scottish ports. The quantities involved depend on landings, but the share transferred represents 7 per cent. of supplies landed in Scotland.
Mr. MacleanDoes not the Minister think it is quite unfair that localities in Scotland which are already short of this particular food should be made shorter still by the transfer to Manchester of food that should be distributed among them?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. The amount available in Scotland still represents a just 184 proportion of the total landings in the country. There were other adjustments in the course of the year, which meant that Scotland really was getting rather more than a proper share, and this means that the position is now pretty well what it was at the beginning.
Mr. MacleanWill the hon. Member transfer his house to Scotland and get himself rationed there for fish, and find out where he is then?
§ Mr. MabaneIf the hon. Member would go to Manchester, he would find that Manchester does not share his views.