11. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that 75 tons of fish which the consignors were advised 814 not to send were condemned immediately on arrival at Billingsgate Market on 14th November last; and whether he will adopt the most effective method of preventing unsound fish coming to the market by discontinuing the payment of carriage charges in such cases.
§ Mr. StracheySeventy-five tons of whiting consigned from a Northern Ireland port on 13th November were condemned on arrival at Billingsgate Market on 15th November. It must have been despatched in poor condition, but I am assured that the Government of Northern Ireland are doing everything they can to improve the preparation and packing of white fish for cross-channel markets. I cannot refuse to pay carriage on fish which has not been condemned at the port of landing, but I am looking into other ways of reducing the quantity of unsound fish reaching inland markets, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries proposes shortly to introduce new legislation on the subject.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the Minister realise that there is great apprehension on the part of the Billingsgate authorities over this and other consignments, and will he do something, without further delay, to ensure that there is no repetition of this, in view of the loss involved to the public?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir, we appreciate that.
§ Sir R. RossWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Ministry of Transport to provide more adequate means for quick transport of such commodities?
§ Mr. StracheyI made no attempt to apportion the blame.