§ 21. Major Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in spite of the recent increase in subsidy, it is now proposed to increase the quayside price of herrings from £4 5s. to £5 a cran; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryThere has been no recent increase in the subsidy payable on herring. The draft rule on minimum prices which the Herring Industry Board has advertised has to be considered by Ministers in the light of any objections. I can therefore make no statement at present.
§ Major WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in certain sections of the industry at this proposal? I refer particularly to the kipperers, who maintain that the proposal will do little to improve the quality of the herring and that the increase in price may well price the kipper out of the market? In support of this, they show that in 1951, when the price was last increased, consumption fell by some 23 per cent.
Mr. AmoryI assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I will give very careful consideration to this proposal if and when it comes to me.
§ 30. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the figures for the landings of cod for January to August; and the landing price per stone for the years 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1954.
Mr. AmoryThe figures are 5.34, 5.23, 5.07 and 4.75 million cwt. 5s. 5d., 5s. 3d., 4s. 11d. and 5s. 8d. average pet stone. They cover landings in Great Britain by British vessels from all waters
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that the fish fryers and general public are concerned about the decreasing supply and the increasing price of cod? Does he realise that this is not unconnected with the ban on Icelandic fishing? Would the right hon. Gentleman not accept his responsibility as Minister and do something for the consuming public?
Mr. AmoryI certainly accept full responsibility for my duties in connection with the fishing industry, but I do not think that there is evidence that the present supply is insufficient. As to price, the increase since 1951 has been 2d. per stone, which is not in itself a considerable amount.
§ Major WallWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the short-fall of Icelandic landings is more than being made up by British landings?