§ 56. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the price of mackerel has risen by 300 to 400 per cent. since the control price was lifted; and what steps he proposes to take in order to mitigate hardship to the housewife while ensuring a fair return to the fishing industry.
§ Mr. StracheyMackerel prices have risen sharply though not by the amount suggested since control was lifted. But the controlled price was so low that it seriously reduced landings, which I am glad to say have now doubled in comparison with the corresponding months of last year.
§ Mr. EvansWill the Minister give us the price of mackerel today, because my information is that a pair of mackerel today costs 2s. 3d., which is a very great hardship for a housewife? Is the Minister aware that I was actually on the market at an East Coast port when the price jumped from 3s. 6d. to 14s. 6d. per stone on the day controls were removed?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. Our information is that the average retail price, though there are wide variations in different markets, is between 1s. and 1s. 3d. today. That is undoubtedly nearly double what it was before, but the supplies are about double, too.