§ 50. Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the complaints by fishmongers throughout the country that when purchasing frozen-cod fillets from the Ministry's distributing agents they often receive short weight; and will he take the necessary steps to see that each box contains full weight when dispatched from the respective packing stations.
§ The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)Yes, Sir. There have been a few complaints. I am afraid, however, that it is impossible to do what my hon. Friend asks as the packing stations are not in this country. We however, give fishmongers an extra margin of 1s. a stone on frozen as compared with fresh fillets in order to compensate them for any loss of weight by thawing.
§ Mr. LiddallIs my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that a fishmonger may order a stone of fish and when the box arrives find that it contains only 13½ 508 or 13¼ lbs.? It really means that the Department is charging more than the controlled price.
§ Colonel LlewellinIn cases like that a claim for rebate can be made if the retailer will take the matter up with the wholesaler, who can then take it up with the distributing agents.
§ Mr. CollindridgeOn this matter of cod fillets, the Minister will be aware that his regulations prevent fishmongers going to another place.