§ 25. Mrs. Braddockasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the fishmongers in Preston, Lancashire, paid 16s.per stone for cod fillets on 31st May, 1952, and for the same quality and type of fish paid 25s. 6d. per stone on 6th June, 1952; and, in view of this wide variance of prices in such a short time, if he will now reconsider his decision regarding the control of fish prices.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAt the beginning of this month, with lighter landings due to stormy weather and increased demand, prices rose for a few days. They have fallen again this week as supplies have increased. I cannot agree that these circumstances justify the re-imposition of price control.
§ Mrs. BraddockIs the Minister not aware that the people of this country cannot obtain from him a reasonable explanation for the terrific difference in the prices which they have to pay from one day to another, and that they believe that it is entirely due to the fact that there is a great amount of exploitation going on between the amount paid to those who catch the fish and the amount paid when it is eventually bought by the consumer?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not think I can agree with that altogether, because the people of this country are supposed to understand the sea, and, if they do, they would realise what it means to go out fishing in bad weather. It is not easy to bring catches home in bad weather, and that is a well-known fact. When the hon. Lady asks me a question about the price going up from 16s. to 25s., may I inform her that the price on the 10th June was between 10s. and 17s., which confirms what I have been saying?