HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1195-6W
Mr. MILLAR

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the steps which are being taken by the American and Canadian Governments to encourage the consumption of freshwater fish as a substitute for meat, the varieties of fresh-water fish which are being placed on the market, and the methods of capture adopted?

Mr. CLYNES

The American Food Administrator has established a Fisheries Section and is urging the American public and the dealers to make greater use of hitherto neglected varieties of lake and river fish. By priority ruling sufficient netting and cordage has been assigned to the fishermen of the great lakes to enable them to maintain the maximum production. The method of catch is largely by net. Fishing in the inland rivers is under the control of the State authorities and is being prosecuted with diligence, although the amount involved is not large. The principal varieties are white fish, pike, and bass. In Canada a special Fish Committee has been appointed by the Food Controller to popularise the consumption and facilitate the distribution of fish as a substitute for meat. One of the duties of the Committee is to report upon the feasibility of providing an ample supply of fresh-water fish at reasonable prices to the consumers of central Canada, while giving legitimate returns to the fishermen. In consequence of recommendations from this Committee the Ontario Government have permitted net fishing in selected inland waters of that province, with a view to determining whether or not an important additional supply of fish can be obtained from the lakes. Licences are issued to any person approved of by the Fishing Overseer upon conditions laid down by the Fisheries. Department. I have no information as to the varieties of fresh-water fish which are-being placed upon the Canadian market.

Back to