§ 16. Mr. WATTasked whether there are at present at Stornoway, in the Hebrides, 100,000 barrels of pickled herrings ready for consumption; whether the delay in sending these away is traceable to his Department, whose decision as to their disposal is awaited; and, if so, when the decision will be given and what will be its effects?
Captain BATHURSTThe quantity of herrings pickled in brine in Stornoway is about 75,000 barrels. It is clearly desirable that these fish, although not usually eaten in this country, should be retained for consumption under present circumstances, and steps are being taken which, it is hoped, may render this practicable. In the meantime, the export of these fish is prohibited. I would venture to suggest to the hon. Member and his Scottish Friends that it is very desirable that they should do everything in their power to popularise this article of diet, because if there is no demand in this country for this particular kind of food, which is valuable and cheap, it will be difficult to maintain the prohibition of its export.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the principal difficulty is that the working-class wives in this country do not know how to cook them or present them at table?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is quite another question.
§ Mr. W. THORNEFor the purpose of popularising these herrings, would the hon. Gentleman advise the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee to have some in the Dining Room in this House?
Captain BATHURSTI have no doubt that the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee will take due note of what the hon. Member says. I had an excellent meal last week off these pickled herrings, and I would desire nothing better if they are properly cooked.