§ Sir M. DOCKRELLasked the Minister of Food whether he caused intimation to be given to the Press that no person may trade in fish by wholesale unless he holds a wholesale certificate of registration as a dealer in fish; was indication given through the Press as to the steps to be taken before approaching the Ministry to ask for a certificate of registration; will he endeavour to attract the utmost co-operation in quickly handling this perishable article of food; whether he is kept promptly informed of any locality in which there- is a shortage of motor or other transport for dealing with large arrivals of fish; does he, before allowing fish to go bad, requisition the Ministry of Transport for motor wagons if railway trucks be not available; was he informed that fish was about to be sold in Hull for manure; and, if so, what did he do?
Mr. ROBERTSIntimation has been given in the Press that no person may trade in fish by wholesale unless he holds a certificate of registration. It was specifically stated that no new certificates were required by wholesale dealers604W already licensed; and the action to be taken to obtain a certificate, where one was not held, was indicated. As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, attraction of the utmost co-operation in handling quickly this perishable article of food has always been one of the Ministry's principal aims. The local representatives of the Ministry have been instructed to report immediately any shortage of transport for dealing with large arrivals of fish. No report has recently been received of fish going bad owing to lack of transport. The railway companies have Certain quantities of motor transport at their disposal which they would use to remedy a shortage of railway trucks for the transport of perishable foodstuffs such as fish. No report has been received that fish was about to be sold in Hull for use as manure.
§ Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the difference between the controlled prices of fish and the prices charged by some retailers; and whether he can take steps towards a general lowering of control prices?
Mr. ROBERTSOn 1st December last a new Schedule of Maximum Prices applicable to all fish with the exception of certain kinds of fresh water fish was brought into force. The prices fixed are materially lower than when control was previously in force. Retailers are required to sell at prices not above the maximum laid down in the schedule. Any person not complying with this instruction is liable to prosecution.