§ 12. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Food how far he anticipates that he will be able to limit foreign imports of fish.
§ 39. Mr. G. R. Howardasked the Minister of Food whether he will make a statement about his policy in regard to the import of boxed fish from abroad.
§ Mr. F. WilleyThe whole position of the fishing industry, including the question of imports, is being examined by the Ministers concerned, and I cannot say more at present.
§ Mr. MarshallMay I ask the Minister, in view of the answer he gave to my hon. Friend on 18th May showing the staggering increase of foreign imports, how soon he is likely to be able to make a statement because, in particular, inshore fishermen cannot wait any longer? How long does he think it will be before his statement can be made?
§ Mr. WilleyAs the hon. Member knows, this is not an easy matter and it will depend on the length of time required for the examination.
§ Mr. HowardMay I ask the Minister, in view of the gravity of the present situation, which is causing serious underemployment in the fishing industry and many fishing vessels to be tied up at the present time, if he will bear this in mind when making his statement?
§ Mrs. CastleIs not my hon. Friend aware that some of the difficulties of the fishing industry arise from the present unsatisfactory arrangements for the handling of fish between the producer and the retailer? Will he bear this in mind before he agrees to force up prices through the classical Tory method of restriction?