§ 23. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that his Department have required kipperers in Scotland to pay for the wooden containers in which they are supplied with Norwegian herring for kippering; that this charge is new in the industry who object to it on the ground, amongst others, that it will increase the cost to the consumers; and if he will take steps to discontinue this demand.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given on 5th February to the hon. Member for South Aberdeen (Lady Grant).
§ Mr. HughesIs it not a fact that this charge has been withdrawn since I put down this Question? Is not the Minister aware that the charge has caused a great deal of difficulty? In order to obviate some of the difficulty will he, in future, consults the fish trade before he makes any new charges?
§ Mr. StracheyThe fish trade was consulted both before and after the charge was made. One part of the charge has been continued and the other part has been withdrawn.