§ Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the effect upon the food supplies of the country caused by the strike of Cornish fishermen over the price reduction of pilchards at certain ports to the ruling price of 3s. 3d. a stone; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the resulting loss of food.
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware that there is a difference between the Cornish pilchard fishermen and the curers about the price paid for pilchards for curing and that the fishermen have not been to sea since 29th November. I do not control the price of pilchards and the dispute is purely a commercial matter. I have however, suggested that the differences should be discussed at a joint meeting under an independent chairman. This is being done and although final agreement has not yet been reached I am hopeful that the dispute will be settled very quickly.