Colonel BURNasked the Minister for Transport if he will take steps to provide insulated trucks for the conveyance of fish by rail as, owing to delay in transit, late deliveries, and hot weather, large quantities arrive in unsaleable condition and have to be destroyed?
§ Mr. NEALThere does not appear to be any call for insulated vans for fish traffic, and it is open to question whether they would be desirable, as they are not ventilated and the fish is not frozen before despatch. At a very representative conference which was held on 15th June, on the subject of fish traffic, no suggestion was made that insulated vans should be provided. In the case of long-distance traffic from Scotland (via Aberdeen), the train services have been improved as from the 21st June, and should ensure arrival at Billingsgate in 2420W the early morning for the day's market. I am not aware that large quantities of fish arrive in unsaleable condition owing to delays in transit, but any specific cases of delay are thoroughly investigated.