§ 81. Mr. PERCYasked the Minister of Food the total quantity of herrings purchased last season by or on behalf of the Government and the total cost of same; what part thereof has been sold and what 766 is the amount realised; what is the present stock in hand fit for food and its estimated value; and what steps he proposes to take, if any, for its prompt realisation so as not to upset the markets in the coming season?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI have been asked to reply. The total quantity of herrings purchased by the Government during the summer and autumn fishing of 1920 is 941,099 barrels, at a total cost of £2,960,457. 147,022 barrels have been sold at the price of £433,401. The present unsold stock consists of 794,077 barrels. In the present financial position of Russia and Central Europe, which are the principal markets for pickled herrings, it is impossible to form any reliable estimate of the value of this stock. The whole of it, so far as is known, is in good condition and fit for human consumption. The unsold stock has been handed over to the Government Surplus Stock Disposal Board, and every endeavour is being made to dispose of this stock with as little delay as possible.
§ Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER - SHEEMay I ask why a question alluding to pickled herrings is not dealt with by the Minister of Food?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI understand the Ministry of Agriculture is the responsible Department.