§ Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that fresh herring were sold by a multiple firm of fishmongers in the High Street, Marylebone, on Thursday, 14th April, at 6d. per pound, although 154 tons of herring, which failed to fetch the minimum price of 3s. per cwt., were dumped in the sea at Firth of Forth ports on Tuesday, 12th April; and whether he proposes to take any action to reduce the retail price of this food?
§ Mr. W. S. Morrison:I am aware that on the date referred to, a quantity of herring was dumped in the Firth of Forth because there was no market for them at the low minimum price fixed by the Area Committee. I am also aware that 6d. per lb. is not uncommonly charged for herring sold by retail, though a more usual price is about 4d. or 5d. Having regard, however, to the costs involved in the distribution of herring, and the risk of loss due to the perishable character of this fish, it is a matter of opinion whether a range of prices from 4d. to 6d. per lb. should be regarded as excessive. In any case, I have no power to intervene.