Eire Salmon

30.

Mr. Gammans
asked the Minister of Food how much fresh salmon has been brought from Eire in the past three months; and what is the average price per pound paid by his Department.

Dr. Summerskill
Thirty-eight tons of fresh salmon were bought from Eire for delivery in the three months ended 26th February, at an average price of 4s. 6½d. per pound.

Mr. Gammans
Is it not a fact that this is sold at 6s. 4d. a pound?

Dr. Summerskill
If the hon. Gentleman will look at the Maximum Price Order, he will find that these prices are graduated according to the season. I think the first-hand sale price per pound, from January to June, 1948, was 6s. and then 5s.

Mr. Gammans
Does it mean, then, that the Ministry pockets the difference?

Dr. Summerskill
Sometimes, Sir.