§ 42. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give any information regarding the purchase of Scottish cured herrings by the Government of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics?
§ Mr. JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)Yes, Sir. Representatives of the herring industry combined to make an offer to sell a quantity of herrings to the Russian Government, and after negotiation a contract has been concluded with the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society for the supply of 100,000 barrels of Scottish cured herrings. I am informed that herrings were landed and cured in part fulfilment of the contract at the end of last week.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIn view of this and other orders recently placed in this country by the Soviet Government, will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that he will not relax his efforts to extend the volume of trade between this country and Russia?
§ Mr. G. PETOWill England be called upon to advance money to pay for these herrings?
§ Mr. COLVILLENo, Sir, the finance was arranged by the Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society, but His Majesty's Government did point out to the Russians that Scottish herrings were a healthy food.
§ Mr. N. MACLEANWill the hon. Gentleman inform the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. Peto) that England can get these herrings if they pay for them?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, Sir.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the hon. Gentleman not give some encouragement to trade with Russia in heavy machinery and shipping in order that we may get some work on the Clyde?