§ 48. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has now considered the proposal to establish a herring or lobster canning industry in the Western Isles as an additional source of food supply against shortage in emergency, especially in view of its safety from attack?
§ Sir T. InskipAs regards herring there is a surplus capacity for canning. His Majesty's Government therefore are unable to adopt the hon. Member's proposal. As regards the lobster industry, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Greenock (Mr. Gibson) on 8th March by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. MacMillanDo I understand that there is no proposal for any further development of this industry?
§ Sir T. InskipI have no proposal at all for the further development of the herring canning industry. The industry is situated largely on the East Coast, and the hon. Gentleman has asked about the establishment on the West Coast.