HC Deb 11 June 1951 vol 488 cc1659-61
35 and 36. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Food (1) on what date S.R. & O. No. 2610 was withdrawn; and whether he will now introduce a new order similar to that mentioned;

(2) if he is aware that, on 8th May, small plaice were being sold for 2s. 6d. per lb. retail in Grimsby when the same fish was sold wholesale in Grimsby Market for 6s. 10d. a stone; that cod was being sold for 1s. per lb. retail in Hull when the wholesale cost in Hull Market was only 3½d. per lb., and that this cod was sold in Manchester and other big cities for 1s. 6d. to 1s. 9d. per lb.; and whether, in view of these high charges, he will now introduce price control on fish.

Mr. F. Willey

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 4th June.

Mr. Lewis

My hon. Friend will recollect that on Question No. 32 he said that he often consulted the T.U.C. As the T.U.C. have recommended the re-introduction of price control on fish and rabbits, will he now put these controls back?

Mr. Willey

In my earlier reply I explained that the responsibility was that of my right hon. Friend. In exercising that responsibility he pays due regard to the advice tendered by the T.U.C.

Mr. Edward Evans

Does my hon. Friend agree that, in view of the greatly increased cost of operating fishing vessels and the increased charge which would have to be made on the transport levy if price controls were re-introduced, the prices at the ports would probably be higher than they are now? In view of that, would he refer this matter to the White Fish Authority which has been set up so that their advice may be taken?

Mr. Willey

As my right hon. Friend has already announced, he is in close touch with the White Fish Authority. All these matters are being carefully considered.

Air Commodore Harvey

If the hon. Gentleman is doing any consulting, will he consult the men who catch the fish, because they will give him a different story?

Mr. Donnelly

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the effect of re-introducing price controls at this stage might be most disadvantageous to the housewife as well as to the fisherman? Would he recognise that just as the Labour movement has set its face against cheap coal at the expense of the miner, it should turn its face against cheap fish at the expense of the fisherman?

Brigadier Clarke

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the present high cost of fish is largely due to the failure of his Department to produce meat or other suitable alternative dishes?

Mr. Willey

If the hon. and gallant Member looks at the reply to which I drew the attention of my hon. Friend, he will realise that the prices of substantial quantities of fish are at or about control level.

Mr. Keenan

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the real difficulty is that there are too many middle-men and that they get the advantage? Does he not realise that those who bring in the fish do not get the advantage, but that the middleman is putting up the price? Is he aware that in Liverpool and in other places the price of fish is three or four times the price which is obtained by the man who catches it?