HC Deb 10 February 1955 vol 536 c2048
34. Major Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give figures to indicate the principal changes in the landed prices of deep-sea fish, in particular cod, in Great Britain during each of the past four years; and to what extent these prices have been supported by any form of subsidy.

Mr. Amory

The average landed price of British-caught distant-water fish during the four years 1951–54 has been 5s. 8d., 5s. 5½d., 5s. 4½d. and 6s. 0½d. per stone respectively. Corresponding figures for distant-water cod are separately collected only at Hull, where they were 5s. 3d., 5s. 0d., 4s.11d., and 5s. 6½d. There is no subsidy on distant-water fish.

Major Wall

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that the figures given show that the price of cod at the quayside has risen by 6 per cent. since 1951, and by about a farthing a lb. during the last 12 months?

Mr. Amory

I would agree that the increase shown by these figures is a very moderate one.

Mr. J. T. Price

Does not the real significance of the figures lie in the fact that the average quayside prices work out at between 5d. and 6d. a lb. whereas the housewife is paying an average of about 2s. a lb. in the shops?

Mr. Amory

This Question was concerned with prices at the quayside.