§ Mr. RICHARDSasked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the prices charged for all kinds of fish due almost entirely to the profits made by the owners of fishing boats; and whether he is aware that boats at Milford who in pre-war times made profits of 13 to 15 per cent. are now in receipt of over 400 per cent. profit?
§ Mr. RICHARDSasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that there are 70 fishing boats at present lying idle in Milford Haven; and whether, seeing that their release for fishing purposes would secure a reduction in the price of fish, he will say if he has received a resolution unanimously passed by a meeting of fish distribution officers begging him to immediately order a large reduction in the price of fish; and whether he proposes to take action in the matter?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am aware that a number of fishing vessels are lying at Milford and other ports in the United Kingdom, which are in the process of reconditioning as fishing vessels after being released by the Admiralty. I may say that on representations made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and my own Department, the Admiralty are taking steps to release fishing vessels as quickly as possible. Following on the release of vessels, supplies of fish are continually increasing, and I am in hopes that as a result a reduction in the price of fish will be possible shortly. The profits made by the owners of fishing boats are being carefully watched, and steps will be taken to reduce prices as early as possible, having regard to the paramount necessity of maintaining supplies.