asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that fish buyers classify as "grílse" or "peal" young salmon below a certain weight and pay the fishermen a lesser price per lb. for fish of this classification than the prevailing salmon price; and, if so, whether he will state (a) if this is done on foot of legislation or ministerial Order or simply by a trade association decision, and, (b) the weight below which young salmon come within the Act, Order or decision; finally, if he will indicate why it is that such young fish are not sold to the public clearly marked as "grílse" or "peal" at a lesser price per lb. than salmon, and in accordance with the lesser price paid by the fish dealers to the fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Classification of Salmon.
The classification of salmon in the manner indicated by the Deputy, namely, the grading of fish not exceeding 6 lb. in weight as grílse or peal and the paying of a lesser price than that ruling for salmon over that weight, is one which is well recognised by fishermen and salmon dealers throughout this country and on cross-Channel markets. The practice is one of long-standing in the trade and is not in any way governed by legislation or statutory Order. The Minister has no statutory function in regard to the matter referred to in the final part of the question.
Is it not clear that the fish dealers are victimising fishermen by the fact that they are paying less than the full price for certain classes of fish and charging the general public the full price? Is that not a matter about which the Parliamentary Secretary should take active steps?
Any question relating to the fixing of wholesale or retail prices is a matter for the Department of Industry and Commerce.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree to recommend to the Department of Industry and Commerce that it should take active steps to see that the consumer gets the benefit of what the fishermen lose in these cases?
I shall bear the Deputy's remarks in mind and give some further consideration to the matter.