§ 21. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture why preferential treatment was given to the salting section of the fishing industry in the repayment of levy paid to the White Fish Authority on fish purchased and subsequently exported; why this concession was granted to the salters from 15th September, 1952, and to other exporters only from 1st December, 1953; and, in view of the correspondence sent to him, if he will make a statement.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe rebates are designed to promote exports, and were given on their merits. The case for a rebate on salt fish was more immediately evident. The bulk of this product is exported, and the levy, which is assessed on weight, would have represented a bigger fraction of the price received compared with other white fish exports.
§ Mr. OsborneDoes not my right hon. Friend think that in future he ought to treat all sections of the trade in the same way and not cause one section to feel 557 that it is not being treated as fairly as others? Will he watch that in any future arrangements?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI will certainly convey the remarks of my hon. Friend to the White Fish Authority, who are responsible for this matter.