HC Deb 22 November 1939 vol 353 cc1223-4
63. Mr. Boothby

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that, although fresh herring are scarce in the shops, and the price of kippers almost prohibitive, the herring fleets at Lowestoft and Yarmouth were recently ordered not to go to sea; and whether he will look into the matter, with a view to preventing the wastage or loss of a valuable article of food in war time?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am informed that herring have been landed at Lowestoft and Yarmouth in quantities more than sufficient to fulfil the requirements of the market there for freshing and kippering, and that it has been found advisable for the owners to regulate landings in order to try to prevent gluts. It is, of course, impossible to maintain landings at a uniform level owing to unpredictable variations in the catch from day to day, but every effort is being made to dispose of as many fresh and kippered herring as possible. As all sales of both fresh and kippered herring since the 16th October have been subject to the Herring (Maximum Prices) Order, 1939, I cannot accept my hon. Friend's contention that prices are almost prohibitive.

Mr. Macquisten

Are they still dyeing the kippered herring?

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