§ 65 and 66. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Food (1) whether he will institute an inquiry into the action of the British Trawlers Association in maintaining fish prices at a high level;
(2) whether, in view of the recent action of the British Trawlers Association, he will introduce price control on fish.
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§ Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Trawlers Federation has an agreement with its members which limits the amount of fish for sale, establishes a minimum price, enforces conditions which all tend to limit the supply, and stipulates severe penalties upon any member who buys a new trawler outside its own combine; and if he will set up a committee of inquiry into this subject in view of the general dissatisfaction at the prices charged.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI assume that the hon. Members are referring to the scheme of the Humber distant water trawler owners to restrict catches in times of poor demand. The scheme was formulated at a time of depression in the industry, but I understand there has been no restriction on catches under it since 1st January, 1951. The scheme had therefore nothing to do with the scarcity and high price of fish this January, which were due solely to bad weather. Since then, supplies have been much better and prices lower.
Miss Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of his decision to continue the subsidy on white fish, what action he is taking to prevent restrictive practices detrimental to the consumers.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe white fish subsidy is payable only in respect of fishing voyages made by inshore, near and middle water vessels. I am not aware of any restrictive practices on the part of their owners.