HC Deb 25 June 1934 vol 291 cc790-1
26. Mr. LOFTUS

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the negotiations for the sale of 70,000 barrels of herring to Russia have now been completed?

45. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the financial arrangements to carry through the recent agreement for a sale of herring to Russia have been completed?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the completion of the proposed contract between the British Herring Trade Association, Limited, and the Co-operative Wholesale Society for the sale of 70,000 barrels of herrings has been delayed, owing to a difficulty about the question of final inspection and acceptance of the herrings, but it seems likely that this will he overcome. As regards financial arrangements, I understand that the Cooperative Wholesale Society have offered to consider to-morrow any proposals for an advance to the association which the latter may put forward.

46. Sir M. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a notice which has been sent out by the British Herring Trade Association warning curers not to cure for the German market on the ground that there is no hope of business in the near future; whether he is aware of the consternation in the industry caused by the notice; and whether he proposes to take any steps to meet the situation resulting from this new development?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the notice sent out by the British Herring Trade Association to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and I am at once taking steps to ascertain what are the facts of the matter.

Sir M. WOOD

Is it not nearly a week since this notice was sent out and has not the hon. and gallant Member found out the facts by this time?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The situation in Germany, as the hon. Member knows, is a very difficult one indeed.

Mr. BOOTHBY

May I ask whether the question of the herring trade will be brought before and kept before the notice of the forthcoming conference in connection with the clearing house?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Yes, Sir, it will be borne in mind.

Mr. LOFTUS

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that Germany last year purchased more than 50 per cent. of the total cure of Great Britain?