§ Mr. Rileyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the shortage of edible fish available in this country in the first half of October and of the large quantities of 342W fish which arrived at British ports in a condition unfit for human consumption; that large quantities of this fish had to be condemned at the ports of arrival; and whether the Ministry has a qualified officer in Iceland whose duty it is to see that fish is not sent to this country unless it is likely to arrive in a condition lit for consumption?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Considering the exigencies under which fish is being brought from Iceland at present and the weather conditions prevalent during a large part of September and October I am advised that the amount of fish condemned on arrival was not excessive. Experienced practical men have been appointed in Iceland whose duty it is to see that fish when loaded is likely to arrive in a condition fit for human consumption. These officers have, however, no control over the time taken by vessels to reach this country.
§ Mr. Kirbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the representations from the National Federation of Fishmongers on the question of fixed prices of fish; and whether he can make a statement that will go to show that anomalies will be removed in order to give a fair margin of profit to the small fishmonger at the same time maintaining a fair price to the consumer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe representations of the National Federation of Fishmongers were given careful consideration when the Fish (Maximum Prices) Order came up for revision. A deputation from the Federation met the Director of Fish Supplies on 10th November and admitted that the results from their point of view had been satisfactory for the three months to 30th September, 1941. The deputation pointed out certain anomalies which are at present under consideration. If it is found that these representations are sound, the necessary amendments will be made when the Prices Order is further revised.