HC Deb 13 June 1951 vol 488 cc178-9W
Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Food what representations he has received from the Trades Union Congress General Council on the need for the introduction of price control on fish and rabbits; and what reply he has given to their requests.

Mr. Webb

The General Council asked me to introduce emergency control on the price of fish and rabbits. For reasons which I have explained to the Council and, as regards fish, in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 4th June, I have told them that I do not feel that such control would be in the interests of the consumer at the present time. I have, also invited the Council to appoint representatives to discuss the problem of the prices of perishable foods with me, if they so desire.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that on 10th May, at Grimsby Fish Market, 140,000 lb. of fish was sent for fish meal; and cod, sold for less than 3d. per lb., was being sold in Manchester and London at 1s. 2d. to 1s. 6d. per lb.; that cod costing 4d. per lb. on Hull Quayside sold retail in shops a few yards away for 1s. per lb.; that haddock, 6½d. per lb. quayside, was 1s. 6d. per lb. in shops; that in London, plaice was 2s. to 2s. 6d. per lb.; and, as these retail prices are above those allowed under price control, whether he will now re-introduce price control.

Mr. Webb

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 4th June.

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