asked the Prime Minister if he will consider appointing a Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to deal, with fisheries.

No, Sir.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the great burden which the Minister of Agriculture has on his shoulders at the present moment, and will he not reconsider this matter, having regard to the vital importance of the fishing industry?

The matter has, of course, often been considered. I remember this question arising many years ago. On the whole, I do not think there would be justification for appointing another Parliamentary Secretary. The Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary will take full responsibility and while I quite realise the importance of the fishing industry, I think we can have far too many Ministers

Will the Prime Minister consider this matter, because in these days of shortages of food, more and more depends on getting more fish from the sea in order to supplement our existing rations?

I quite realise the importance of that but it is a non sequitur to suggest that we should get that result by appointing another Parliamentary Secretary.