§ 34. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by the fishing industry in the distribution of fish from the ports to the consumers; and what are his plans to solve these difficulties and improve the distribution of fish.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. D. Heathcoat Amory)Supplies of fish are plentiful in the shops and I am not aware that the fishing industry is experiencing distributive difficulties.
§ Mr. HughesWill not the Minister address his mind to the real injustice which is indicated in the Question: namely, that all ports are not treated equally and that that is an injustice not only to the ports but to the consumers, and particularly to the fishing industry in the North-East of Scotland? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport with a view to instituting either a flat rate or an extension of the tapering rates at present in force with a view to obviating these difficulties?
Mr. AmoryI am not aware of any injustice such as the hon. and learned Member indicates, but I certainly will consider what he has said.