§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Food whether he can now make a statement about the maximum prices of fish during the summer season, and, in particular, about the representations on this matter made by the Scottish inshore fishermen.
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. My right hon. and gallant Friend has decided, after considering representations from all sections of the fishing industry, to reduce the first hand prices of only the rougher varieties of white fish below the levels of the summer of 1944. Since inshore fishermen in general catch only a small quantity of these varieties, their earnings on the whole will scarcely be affected. Cuts will also be made in the margins of wholesalers and retailers on the rougher varieties and the benefit of the whole reduction passed to the consumer. Maximum prices at all stages of other varieties 1323W of white fish will, with some minor exceptions, be the same as during last summer. The new prices will come into force on 7th April at the port and on 8th April elsewhere.