HC Deb 10 June 1920 vol 130 cc642-3W
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the many delays on the railways recently in the transport of fresh fish from Hull to London and other towns; that fish sometimes takes more than 48 hours to travel from Hull to London, and three days to the Welsh towns; that many complaints have been made to his Department, but the delays still continue; the causes of these delays; and whether steps are being taken to bring about an improvement?

Mr. NEAL

Complaints of a general nature regarding the transport of fish have been received, but the only specific complaints relating to rail conveyance of fish from Hull of which I am aware, are the six cases, none of which refer to London, which were received within the last few days from the Hull Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, through the hon. and gallant Member and the hon. Member for East Hull. These cases are now under investigation with the railway companies, and the result will be communicated to the hon. and gallant Member. The conditions of transit of fish by rail are to be discussed with the trade associations at a conference with the Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries and Transport, on 15th June, at which conference my hon. Friend and other hon. Members interested are invited to be present. As I stated on the 2nd June, an inspector from the Ministry of Fisheries is examining the situation at Hull regarding fish.