§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Food why only certain firms were given an opportunity to purchase at low prices the remaining stocks of Icelandic cod fillets and whole plaice, with the resultant prejudice to many firms who bought from his Department such fish previously at much higher prices.
§ Mr. WebbI am afraid that the hon. Member has got his facts wrong. In fact, our remaining stocks of frozen fish were offered at reduced prices to all the previous buyers in February this year; but the offer was not accepted, nor were any substantial bids made in the spring and summer, despite the fact that it was common knowledge in the trade that we were prepared to accept any reasonable offers. In the circumstances my Department was bound, like any private trader, to make the best bargain possible, and when a suitable opportunity of disposing of our stock came we took it.