§ 16. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement in regard to the Hong Kong Fish Marketing Board, indicating what proportion of their fishermen own their boats and what proportion have mortgages through debt; and what plans have been considered for the organisation of retail co-operative shops for the selling of the fish and of a co-operative wholesale department for the export of the fish.
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, Sir; 95–98 per cent. of all fishing vessels based on Hong Kong are owner-operated, and in the last six years only two owners are known to have mortgaged their boats. Co-operative retail shops have been considered, but they would be unlikely to succeed in competition with numerous family concerns operating on a low margin of profit and conducting much of their business on credit. The Fish Marketing Board, operating on co-operative lines, now possesses a mechanical fish drier and intends to develop the export of dried fish.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the Minister feel satisfied that the Marketing Board is realising all the hopes that were reposed in it when it was formed?
§ Mr. LytteltonI think probably not, because the field in which the co-operative Marketing Board can operate is, as my answer indicates, rather limited.