HC Deb 31 March 1955 vol 539 cc531-2
18. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in respect to the costings investigations, commenced early in 1952, into the price of fish; and when it is likely that information will be available to clarify the situation.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

I would refer the hon. Member to my answers of 16th December and 10th February. The sample investigation to which I referred on 10th February will take several months.

Mr. Dodds

What justification is there that for three years these investigations have been going on and still there is no result? Does the right hon. Gentleman feel that this matter is being taken seriously? What will be done to see that at long last the housewife gets a square deal in connection with this business of fish?

Mr. Amory

I admire the hon. Member's enthusiasm, and I share it, but I deplore his impatience in this case. Certain results have been reported in the Annual Reports of the White Fish Authority, and this particular investigation is one which concerns a quite difficult project.

Later —

Mr. Dodds

After deep consideration, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answers to Question No. 18, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.