§ 32. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department could afford advice as to any sections of the British coast being found suitable for the introduction on commercial lines of the trans-Atlantic shellfish known as the clam?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)The Ministry has no practical experience of the cultivation of clams. The American clam does exist in British waters, and I shall be glad to arrange an interview between my hon. Friend and our shell fishery experts, who will give him what information they have on the subject.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIf that is the fact, with tens of thousands of Americans Colning here during the season would it not be worth while to develop this delicacy on a commercial basis?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe have no information as to the commercial possibilities. Our information is only from a biological point of view. If the hon. Member would like to visit a district where they are available, he could no doubt sample them.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINMay I remind my right hon. Friend that I have learnt from Washington that it is perfectly possible to grow this delightful bivalve here, and may I bring him information on the subject?
§ Mr. SEXTONCan the right bon. Gentleman inform us, in case he establishes these clams, that they will not be subjected to the Merchandise Marks Act?
§ Mr. GUINNESSIt is proposed that they shall be established in British waters, and there is no question of the compulsory marking of home products.
Commander WILLIAMSIs it not better to let the Americans know the very much higher quality and value of British shell fish?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINThey are not in season in the summer.