§ 67. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Food in view of the fact that the Ministry of Food cured 86,000 crans of herring last season and sold them at a profit of £30,000, what steps are being taken to dispose of the unshipped herring now in the hands of the curers?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI understand that my hon. Friend is referring to a quantity of 23,000 barrels of cured herring, which were packed during the 1939 season, and were still unshipped for export at the outbreak of war. For these herring there is, I am informed, no market in the United Kingdom, and it would appear to be for the owners to endeavour to export them to suitable markets abroad.
§ Mr. BoothbyWhat steps has my right hon. Friend taken to assist the owners to export the herring; and, in the event of their being unable to do so, does he not think that in the circumstances the Government ought to accept responsibility?
§ Mr. MorrisonWhat we have done is to give an undertaking that we would not export any of the herring we have bought to the markets normally available for the export trade; and that undertaking we have observed. As for the disposal of these herring, that is not a matter for my Department.
§ Mr. BoothbyFor whose Department is it a matter?