HC Deb 13 November 1933 vol 281 cc563-4
48. Mr. HENDERSON STEWART

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the situation which has arisen in Yarmouth following upon the curers' announcement of their inability to accept further supplies of herring; if he is aware that, as a result of this decision, most of the boats will have to return home at once before expenses have been covered; and if he proposes to take any immediate steps to mitigate the hardship likely to be suffered by members of the fishing fleets?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am aware of the situation which has arisen in the herring fishing industry due to the falling off in the demand for British cured herrings abroad. As my hon. Friend is aware, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are discussing the position this evening with representatives of the industry now in London. It is difficult to see what immediate steps the Government can usefully take to relieve the present situation. As my hon. Friend is aware, some success has already attended the Government's efforts in recent commercial negotiations to expand foreign markets, and this aspect of the matter is being fully borne in mind in other negotiations now proceeding.

Sir M. WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present position is exactly similar to that of two years ago, and again last year; and do not the Government acknowledge some responsibility for the present position?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am discussing the matter with the representatives of the industry this afternoon. Surely, all parties bear a certain responsibility if in a glut situation they continue to overproduce.

Sir M. WOOD

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no glut, that a much less quantity of herrings has been caught this year than formerly; and that the curing of herrings at Yarmouth this year is less than half that which it was as late as 1930?

Mr. ELLIOT

These seem to be exactly the propositions that I shall have to discuss when the Secretary of State for Scotland and I meet the representatives of the industry this afternoon.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

In view of the constant recurring difficulty in the herring export trade, ought we not to take steps to improve the general internal distribution of fish in the towns and villages of England and thus get rid of surplus and gluts?