asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the shortage of fish in the Liverpool and Merseyside area, he will take steps to see that there is an improvement in both supplies and quality.

I am having inquiries made, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the position is also very disappointing in the Midlands, and will he exercise some pressure over the personnel in the Admiralty to obtain more trawlers, as soon as they can possibly be spared from naval service?

The Admiralty are giving up more trawlers. They could not give up a great number before victory in Europe had been achieved, but now we are getting some more.

Is not the question of transport a more potent one than that of supplies?

It boils down largely to a question of man-power at every stage of distribution, from the time the fish comes into the harbour until it is served on the fishmongers' slabs. We are going into all these matters.

Are we using German prisoners to deal with this matter?

Not yet.

asked the Minister of Food for how long it is proposed to keep in operation the scheme for zoning fish.

So long as the transport and supply positions make it necessary, but no longer.