§ 37. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made with a minimum price scheme for fish.
§ Mr. HoyI expect to have a progress report from the White Fish Authority in the very near future and I can say nothing until I have received this.
§ Lady TweedsmuirWhile we all hope that this scheme will come about and bring greater stability to the fishing industry, can the hon. Gentleman say, on the negotiations so far achieved, whether, so far as the consumer is concerned, the prices of fish on average will go up or be lower?
§ Mr. HoyI am not carrying out these negotiations. This is a matter that must be left to the White Fish Authority and the people concerned. When I receive its Report, I can reach a conclusion on it.
§ Lady TweedsmuirWill the Parliamentary Secretary make representations to the White Fish Authority that there is concern among many consumers as to whether the scheme will in fact mean higher prices for fish, and that it is most important to safeguard against this, as the Government have done so much already to increase the cost of living?
§ Mr. HoyI think that the hon. Lady had better make up her mind which way she wants to deal with it, whether to maintain the industry, or the merchant or the consumer. My responsibilities cover all three, and the interests of the consumer will be no less safeguarded than other parts of the industry.