On 21 October 1948, the Hon. E.H.H. Hall, H.A. Leslie, T. Fox, D. Brand and L.F. Kelly were appointed by the Legislative Assembly to serve on a Select Committee to inquire into the condition of the fishing industry in Western Australia and the means whereby greater supplies of local fish at reasonable prices could be made available to the consumer. On 26 January 1949, the Select Committee became a Royal Commission to inquire into the matters previously referred to the Committee.

The Royal Commission's report was submitted on 27 October 1949.