PRICE OF FISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 176, 26 July 1940, Page 9

PRICE OF FISH.

AUCKLAND QUOTED.

TRAWLERS FOR NAVY,

OTHERS AT WHARVES. (By Telegraph. --Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. "We cannot get fish to-day at a reasonable price; the cost is almost prohibitive,'' said Mr. Kyle (Opposition. Riccarton) in the House of Representatives yesterday, when the general estimates were under discussion. He was referrina to a vote of £050 for expenses in connection with the fishing industry, now licensed under the Industrial Efficiency Act.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Eraser): The trawlers have been taken off for use bv the navv.

I don't know what the price of fish

is in Auckland," continued Mr. Kyle, but in Cliristchureh the price was never higher. The price was too high even before the trawlers came off.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, said that prior to an investigation being made two or three years ago the condition of the industry vvas chaotic and all sections of the trade hat}, asked to come under the Act, and registration had been granted. It was one of the most difficult industries that had to bo administered under the Act. There had been criticism concerning the refusal to grant licenses to fishermen, but J 400 had been granted out of IGOO applications. Tlie average earnings of those who failed to receive licenses, taken over a period of three years, was exceedingly small.

Mr. Poison (Opposition, Taranaki) Are we. going to get fish?

The Minister said that the shortage of fish bad nothing to do with the licensing system, but with the navy, which required the trawlers for mine sweeping. »

Mr. Jull (Opposition, Waipawa) said he had heard that there was a gelfimposed embargo on the fish industry in Auckland in spite of the fact that some trawlers were being used as minesweepers. Other trawlers were not being worked full time. They got their quota to keep prices up and laid alongside the wharf.

The Minister said that what Mr. Jull had said was new to him and he would ask for fuller particulars.

Mr. Thorn (Government, Thames) said the price of fish in Auckland was no higher than in 1030. In fact, it was one penny per lb cheaper for the principal fish sold.