asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received a resolution from the Portlaoighise Mental Hospital Committee protesting against the coming into operation of the Fish (Regulation of Import) (No. 2) Order, 1938, and stating that the price of fish required by them had been increased by 100 per cent.; and if he will state whether he proposes to cancel the order referred to or take the necessary steps to ensure that merchants deriving the benefit of the order will provide the fish required at a reasonable price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish (Regulation of Import) Order.
I received the resolution mentioned by the Deputy. I do not propose to cancel the Order referred to which was made for the purpose of restricting the imports of fresh or frozen fish and thus preserving a market for supplies of home landed fish.
I am satisfied that supplies of suitable fish are available for the needs of institutions, such as Portlaoighise Mental Hospital, at prices which compare favourably with the prices paid by these institutions prior to the coming into operation of the Order and accordingly the necessity for the action suggested by the Deputy does not arise.
Will the Minister say if a 100 per cent. increase is a reasonable increase?
It would be most unreasonable if it was for the same class of fish.