§ 62. Mr. Harry Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Food whether he has yet received a Report as to the reason why such a large quantity of fish, 50 to 55 tons, was found, on arrival at the Manchester market on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd May, to be so bad that it was condemned or voluntarily surrendered and has been made into manure; and whether he will take steps to secure that whatever causes may have been responsible for the delay which must have occurred before this fish arrived at Manchester, shall be removed.
§ Mr. MabaneThirty-four tons of fish were condemned at Manchester on 1st, 2nd and 3rd May. The greater part of this fish had been delayed at sea and at the port of landing. I am informed that, when it was despatched by rail, it was apparently in good condition. Such measures as are practicable to relieve congestion at the port have already been taken.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIs the Minister aware that, on those days, also, large quantities of fish got out to the consumers, and that housewives, after having waited for hours in fish queues, had to cast the fish into the fire on returning home?
§ Mr. MabaneThat is rather a different point, which is not raised here.
§ Sir Douglas ThomsonWhat port was it?
§ Mr. MabaneThe landing port was Aberdeen, and I would remind the hon. Member that Manchester pressed very hard to be given a second port of supply and was given this very port.