§ 71. Mr. Cuthbertasked the Minister of Food if he will reconsider his decision to reduce the prices of fish by 30 per cent., in view of the hardship to fishermen of the fact that the costs of replacement of gear have increased 200 to 300 per cent. above prewar prices; and is he aware that there will otherwise be no incentive to fishermen to produce this food.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend has not yet made a decision on the summer maximum prices for fish but he is endeavouring to make supplies of fish as cheap as is consistent with an adequate return to the producer and the trade. He cannot accept the hon. Member's estimate of the extent of the proposed reductions or his suggestion that the proposed prices will not give any incentive to the fishermen.