§ 13. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the rising costs of potatoes, gas, electricity and frying oil are making it difficult for the fish and chip industry of this country to carry on; and, in view of the importance of preserving the industry from the point of view of public amenity and the ensuring of adequate outlets for landings of British fish, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Mr. AmoryAny recent decline in sales I would expect in the main to be due to normal seasonal factors. I do not consider any action by me is called for or would be useful.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware that quite a large number of these shops are closing down in Leicester and the Midlands, costs having gone up by 500 per cent. since 1947? As these shops provide a stable food for a large number of people, particularly pensioners and others, will the Minister do something about protecting the interests of the people by reducing the costs?
Mr. AmoryI was not aware of the information that the hon. Member mentions about Leicester, but I cannot accept his computation that raw materials generally for the fish fryers have gone up by 500 per cent. since 1947.