HC Deb 18 May 1953 vol 515 cc1670-2
9. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to prevent large quantities of fish landed at Hull and Grimsby being sent to fish-meal factories.

Major Lloyd George

This is a matter to which the White Fish Authority and other organisations in the industry are giving special attention, but it is not one in which I think I could usefully intervene.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in the two years the White Fish Authority have been in being they have done practically nothing about this problem? They were appointed by the Labour Government. Is my right hon. and gallant Friend further aware that unless something is done by himself and the Minister of Agriculture this industry, which has increasing unemployment, will cease to work altogether?

Major Lloyd George

I shall do everything I possibly can, but my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that a large part of this problem is due to the fact that this time of the year is not the best for keeping fish. He will also remember that there is increasing competition with fish as more other foods are now available.

Mr. Edward Evans

Is the Minister aware that although the White Fish Authority were appointed by the Labour Government the proposal was unanimously supported by all hon. Members now supporting the present Government? Would he allay the public mind about the disproportion there is between the landing price of fish and the selling price? Could we have the figures to put this problem in proper perspective, so that we can see what the problem is?

Major Lloyd George

That is another question, but as I mentioned some time ago. investigations have already been started into costing. I have not the information with me at the moment, but I hope to get it for the hon. Member.

Mr. Donnelly

Is it not a fact that the White Fish Authority are answerable to this House? What does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean by saying that he cannot usefully intervene in this matter?

Major Lloyd George

Because it is the business of the White Fish Authority to see what they can do to improve fishing and the sale of fish. It is their job. One problem they have to solve—and it is not an easy one—is how to make people eat fish. I do not think I can usefully intervene there. They are trying out advertisement schemes, and so forth, to make the business more profitable, but we have to face the fact that if the people do not want fish they will not buy it.