Mr. A. DAVIES(Clitheroe) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Central Profiteering Committee have noticed the excessive difference between the wholesale and retail price of fish; and, if so, whether they are satisfied that there is no profiteering in this article of food?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe Standing Committee on Trusts of the Central Committee recently investigated the fish trade in order to inquire into allegations of the retail price being unnecessarily enhanced by rings or combinations at the landing place, wholesale market, or by the retailer. The Committee, after hearing witnesses representing the fishermen and every phase of the trade, expressed the opinion that no evidence was forthcoming to justify the allegation that fish rings or combinations existed to force up prices to the public or to depress them to the producer. I would remind the hon. Member that the Profiteering Act has now been applied to all kinds of fish, and it is open to any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the price he is asked to pay for any kind of fish to complain to the local committees established for that purpose.