§ 37. Brigadier - General McCALMONTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a recent glut of herrings, combined with a lack of labour, for curing at Berwick resulted in a largo number being sold at three for 1d., and many being given away; whether local authorities are required to either deal immediately with such an emergency or to 1865 report it to the Ministry; and if he will say upon whom the responsibility rests for the failure to make use of this supply of cheap food in some other district?
§ Mr. PARKERThe glut of herring at Berwick referred to in the question has not been brought to my notice, but at this time of the year herring are from time to time landed in large quantities which are only fit for immediate and local consumption. By arrangement between the Ministry of Food and the Fishery Board for Scotland the officers detailed by the latter Department to supervise the herring fisheries are instructed to assist the Ministry in facilitating the distribution of herring, and the local food control committees cannot be held responsible for any difficulty in finding a market for surplus herring.
§ General McCALMONTIs it not possible to transfer this fish, even if it is only a short distance, to the inland towns in the neighbourhood of the coastal towns?
§ Mr. PARKERI will bring the suggestion to the notice of the Minister, but the "hon. and gallant Member is quite aware of the difficulties of transport at the present time.
Mr. C. WASONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of herrings are quite unsaleable owing to the inability of the Food Controller to find a market or procure trade for them?
§ Mr. PARKERI am not aware of that.