HC Deb 17 November 1942 vol 385 cc226-7W
Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the scarcity of fish in the shops in the Birmingham area causing anxiety and disappointment; and will he take steps to see that the supply of fish, allowing for seasonable catches, is as plentiful in the area as it was in the pre-zoning scheme period on the basis of the figures of previous distribution as supplied by the fish trade there to the Ministry?

Mr. Mabane

Supplies of fish in the Birmingham area were deficient for a time owing mainly to poor landings at one of the two ports nominated for supply to this area. The landings at that port have shown a marked improvement during the past few days. The recent shortage affected principally supplies to those merchants who are tied to that particular port. Arrangements are now being made for all the merchants in the district to receive supplies from both ports.