§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the near approach of the months of May, June, July and August during which the native oysters cannot be lawfully sold in this country but during which foreign oysters are freely imported, his Department can take any steps to protect the community from foreign oysters no more seasonable than British oysters; and whether, if the Board has no adequate legislative powers, the Government will introduce legislation to relieve the British oyster trade from the present preferential position of foreign oysters in the British market?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Government are not prepared to introduce legislation with a view to protect the home oyster industry from legitimate foreign competition, but if oysters are imported which are unfit for human food steps can, of course, be taken for the protection of consumers; and, perhaps, the hon. Member will bring any information in his possession on the subject to the notice of my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, with whom it falls to deal with questions affecting the public health.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYWill the Government give orders that prosecutions for the sale of oysters shall not be carried out so long as foreign oysters are permitted to be sold at the same time?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThat depends upon the circumstances of the case.