asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what bodies or persons representing the interests of in-shore line fishermen were consulted before it was decided to reduce the maximum price paid to fishermen for round fish; whether the increased cost of fishing gear was taken into consideration in determining the new prices; and why the whole burden of the reduced price to consumers was thrown upon the men who risk lives and capital in catching fish and none of the burden upon fish merchants?

Major Lloyd George:

As regards the first part of the Question, the reduced maximum prices for fish which were brought into operation on 29th September were decided upon in the light of experience of the working of the original Maximum Prices Order, and of the full and prolonged consultations with all sections of the industry which preceded that Order. It was neither practicable nor necessary to repeat those consultations before revising the Order, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that all relevant factors, including the increased cost of gear, were taken into consideration in fixing the new prices. As regards the last part of the Question, the original Order effected a drastic reduction in the ruling margins of profit obtained by the distributive sections of the trade. The results of the first few months of fish price control showed conclusively that any further reduction in the price to the consumer could only be made by reducing the maximum price to the producer.

Mr. Stewart:

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that at least the in-shore line fishermen of the East of Scotland contend that they had no representation at any conference held by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department, neither were they consulted?

Major Lloyd George:

I could not say without notice what happened in that particular case, but I can assure my hon. Friend that their interests have been consulted. The prices obtaining under this Order are considerably in excess of what they enjoyed before the war.

Mr. Stewart:

No.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what progress has been made in drawing up the fish scheme, which he originally announced would come into operation early in September; and when he proposes to introduce it?

Major Lloyd George:

A scheme has now been prepared, but so long as the existing system of price control continues to function satisfactorily it is not proposed to introduce a more drastic scheme of control for the industry.