– in the House of Commons at on 15 September 1939.
Colonel Sir Joseph Nall
, Manchester Hulme
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can now make any statement as to the re-organisation of the arrangements for control of the distribution of supplies of fish through the Manchester fish market?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
The scheme of control of fish is at present under review, and I am not in a position at present to add to the statement which I made during the course of the Debate on 13th September.
Mr David Grenfell
, Gower
Has the right hon. Gentleman had representations from the industrial valleys of South Wales, where there has been a serious shortage of fish for some time, and, having regard to their inaccessibility, will he make special arrangements to see that fish is sent to them?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
Yes, Sir, the conditions in that district were brought to my notice, and I am dealing with the matter as one of urgency.
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I am aware that there have been complaints with regard to Hull in particular. The matter has been aggravated there by the requisitioning of a very large number of trawlers.
Colonel Sir Joseph Nall
, Manchester Hulme
Was not the chaotic state of affairs clearly indicated in the Debate the other day and no steps have so far been taken to mitigate them? We are now entering upon another week of chaos while the Minister goes on considering it. Can he not suspend the scheme in the meantime?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
No, Sir, I cannot agree that no improvement has taken place in the position. A great deal of improvement has taken place, and I am very anxious to put a proper scheme into operation as soon as possible. The course which the hon. Member recommends would not be in the public interest at the present time.
Mr George Mathers
, Linlithgowshire
Can the Minister say when he will be able to make the position definite?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I do not wish to pin myself down to a date, but it will be as early as possible.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Has the Minister any power to regulate supplies because he will be aware that many thousands of people have fish and potatoes for lunch and supper, and if he will see that the fish fryers get their share we shall be much obliged?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I am aware of the importance of fried fish to large sections of the people, and that part of the scheme is being specially reviewed.
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
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