§ 75. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, at the height of the herring fishing season, it remains almost impossible to obtain fresh herrings or kippers in any provincial town or country village in Great Britain; and what steps he is taking to improve the distribution of this valuable article of food.
§ Dr. SummerskillI cannot accept the hon. Member's statement in the first part if his Question. In May, the last month for which I have detailed figures, the provinces received about 70 per cent. of the herrings, and about 80 per cent. of 40 the kippers, distributed through trade channels. In order to improve distribution my right hon. Friend has reduced maximum prices; is granting licences freely for new retail fish businesses; is paying for the use of refrigeration on long rail journeys; and requires kipperers to offer specified percentages of their output to inland wholesalers.
§ Mr. BoothbyWill the hon. Lady give consideration to the revival of the fish hawker, who has been very badly missed in the country this year?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have given many licences this year to fish hawkers.