§ 30. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that the wholesale price of fish has almost doubled since the control was removed, if he will now take steps to reimpose such control.
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir. On a proper comparison, the evidence does not support the view that the wholesale price of fish has almost doubled.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the very unfair price charged by the wholesalers is having a serious effect upon the prices charged to the general public, and that all this is contributing to the high cost of living?
Mr. AmoryNo, but what I am aware of is that the rise which took place during the preceding two months was due to natural causes—bad weather and the difficulty of getting catches in the distant waters—and I am also aware that as conditions have improved the price has come down substantially in the last week or two.
§ Mr. Edward EvansIs not one reason for the alleged high price of fish that the working fisherman is now at last having a decent standard of living, like the miners, and good luck to them both? Is not fish still one of the cheapest staple foods in this country today?
Mr. AmoryI certainly would not grudge the fishermen their present earnings or their present standard of living. I think they are doing a good job by the country, and I consider that fish is good value at its present price.