§ 42 and 43. Mr. LOFTUSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he has received information of the intention of the Dutch Government either to prohibit the import of fresh herring from Great Britain or, alternatively, only to allow their import on condition they are not cured in Holland; and, in view of the fact that British fresh herring to a value of over £100,000 were landed and sold in Ymuiden in 1933, will he take steps to induce the Dutch Government to reconsider their decision:
(2) whether he will give the House any information as to the proposals of the Dutch Government to prohibit the import of salted herring of foreign origin; and whether this matter will be considered in connection with the trade negotiations now proceeding?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have no official information about such proposals, but inquiries are being made and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend. The matter will certainly be 1074 borne in mind in the negotiations which are about to be opened with the Nether-land Government.
§ Mr. LOFTUSIn view of the vital importance of maintaining our fishing fleets from the point of view of national defence, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that the interests of the fishing industry will receive at least equal consideration with those of the coal trade in these trade negotiations?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEWe regard the matter as important.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether there is any connection between British herring and Dutch bulbs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe hon. member must draw his own conclusions.