HC Deb 28 February 1951 vol 484 cc292-3W
70. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Food if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to his decision on the control of fish prices.

75. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Minister of Food whether he intends to reimpose controlled prices on the fishing industry.

76. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Food if he is now in the position to introduce price controls on the price of rabbits and fish.

Mr. F. Willey

My right hon. Friend undertook to examine retail fish prices in relation to supplies in the middle of the present month. The expected increase in landings has taken place and a larger supply of fish has been available since mid-February. I am glad to state that this has brought prices down generally.

Prices of cod fillets average 1s. 3½d. per pound which was, in fact, the controlled price. Haddock fillets are down to an average of 1s. 7d. per pound which is only ½d. over the controlled price. Herrings, although this is not the season for home catching, are 7d. to 8d. a pound, whilst the controlled price was 6½d. As cod, haddock and herring represent about 63 per cent. of our fish supplies, my right hon. Friend has decided that there is nothing to be gained by imposing price control. In view of the increases in the costs of fishing and distribution, prevailing prices cannot be said to be unreasonable. We are, however, maintaining our provisional arrangements for the imposition of controls in case prices become excessive.

On rabbits I would refer to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Itchen (Mr. Morley) on 19th February.