Fish, Birmingham Market

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 June 1951.

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Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham King's Norton 12:00, 25 June 1951

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, owing to delays in the morning delivery of fish to the Birmingham Market by British Railways, Midland Region, it frequently arrives too late to be sold to the dealers until the following day, by which time, particularly in hot weather, it has in many cases become unfit for sale; and if he will approach the British Railways Executive to expedite this service.

Photo of Mr Maurice Webb Mr Maurice Webb , Bradford Central

My information is that delays have not been frequent but our regional transport officer will be glad to join in any consultations between the traders concerned and the local officials of the Railway Executive, to deal with any particular difficulty.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Birmingham King's Norton

If I send the right hon. Gentleman a schedule showing some of the recent late arrivals will he look into the matter? Will he bear in mind that be-fore the war the fish was cleared at the market by 7 a.m. whereas nowadays the retailers have very often had to leave for their shops before the fish is cleared. so that it remains unsold for a whole day?

Photo of Mr Maurice Webb Mr Maurice Webb , Bradford Central

I am very well aware of recent difficulties and should be glad to look at the schedule.