9. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the trade in cured herring with America was on the increase before tine outbreak of war; whether any steps have been taken with a view to developing the trade with the United States and Canada: whether efforts have been made to introduced cured herrings into China and Japan; and whether, in the event of trading relations being resumed with 1458 Russia, he will take steps to encourage the exportation of cured herrings to that country?
§ Sir HAMAR GREENWOOD (Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, steps are being taken to obtain reports from the countries in question as to the market for pickled herrings. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the hon. Baronet aware that I have received the answer to this question since I came into the House just now?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am quite aware of that. It is the customary courtesy of the Department to see that private Members are supplied with answers to their questions.
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt could not possibly have been more than a moment or two before the hon. and gallant Gentleman heard it from this box.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a great advantage to give hon. Members the answers beforehand, so that they may prepare supplementary questions?