§ Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Minister of Food what steps have been taken since it became necessary to make the recent reduction in the meat ration, to increase supplies of fish to the public at prices they can afford; and whether his Department is in close touch on this question with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on 28th March. Since that date I have announced a new scheme to encourage the quick freezing and storage of white fish for use during the winter, and similar plans for herrings are being considered. In view of the shortage of meat, I have decided to retain control of fish prices for the present. I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friends the Fisheries Ministers about these and other matters affecting fish supplies.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Food what reply he is giving to the request of the fishmongers for a higher margin of profit.
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§ Mr. StracheyI am arranging for my Department to receive a deputation from the fishmongers and their views will receive careful consideration.