HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1059-60
17. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an assurance that the interests of the herring industry and, in particular, the necessity of securing wider sales for British fresh and cured herring in European countries will form a part of the objects of the forthcoming talks between himself, the Department of Overseas Trade, and the representatives of the Governments of Germany, Russia, and the Northern States?

21. Mr. Chorlton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consult with the proper trade bodies before his projected visit to Russia and the Northern Capitals?

28. Mr. Gallacher

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depressed state of the herring industry, the interests of this industry will be borne in mind in the negotiations that are shortly to be opened by His Majesty's Government with various European countries, for improving the existing volume of international trade?

Mr. Stanley

My Department are in constant touch with trade organisations and are always ready to receive representations, but the conversations to be undertaken in the capitals referred to are intended to be of a general and exploratory character.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Does my right hon. Friend mean us to understand that he will receive representations, particularly from the herring trade, now on this matter?

Mr. Stanley

Yes. My right hon. Friend and I will be glad, if there is any information, to have it sent to us, but I would like it to be understood that in the main the conversations are of a general character.

Mr. Bellenger

When the right hon. Gentleman refers to the visit to Russia and the Northern Capitals as being of an exploratory nature, do we understand that he means that it will be connected only with trade questions and that no other aspects of our international policy will come under discussion?

Mr. Stanley

Oh, yes, these are trade matters.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the herring industry was a very fine market before the War in these countries, will special consideration be given to the possibility of restoring such relations as will ensure the rebuilding of that industry?

Mr. Stanley

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are fully alive both to the importance and to the difficulties of the herring industry.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Is it not a fact that the standard of life of the people of Russia has been lowered to such an extent that they cannot afford to buy our herring?

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. Is it to be recognised as permissible in this House that every time Russia is mentioned hon. Gentlemen at the back are to make the most offensive references to it?