HC Deb 30 May 1945 vol 411 cc215-6
52. Captain Bullock

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the shortage of fish in the Liverpool and Merseyside area, he will take steps to see that there is an improvement in both supplies and quality.

Colonel Llewellin

I am having inquiries made, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

Sir Oliver Simmonds

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the position is also very disappointing in the Midlands, and will he exercise some pressure over the personnel in the Admiralty to obtain more trawlers, as soon as they can possibly be spared from naval service?

Colonel Llewellin

The Admiralty are giving up more trawlers. They could not give up a great number before victory in Europe had been achieved, but now we are getting some more.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Is not the question of transport a more potent one than that of supplies?

Colonel Llewellin

It boils down largely to a question of man-power at every stage of distribution, from the time the fish comes into the harbour until it is served on the fishmongers' slabs. We are going into all these matters.

Captain Bullock

Are we using German prisoners to deal with this matter?

Colonel Llewellin

Not yet.

53. Captain Bullock

asked the Minister of Food for how long it is proposed to keep in operation the scheme for zoning fish.

Colonel Llewellin

So long as the transport and supply positions make it necessary, but no longer.