§ 47. Mr. Sloanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that several hundred baskets of herring were dumped into the sea out side Ayr Harbour on 28th June, 1941; that the fishermen were offered manure prices for herring that were in good condition for human consumption; that the fishermen are at the mercy of the buyers; and what steps he intends taking to pre vent a recurrence of this waste of human food?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)Yes, Sir. The herrings in question were small, immature soft herrings, which could not have arrived at an' market in a condition fit for human consumption. There is no difficulty in disposing of all herrings fit for human consumption which are landed.
§ Mr. SloanIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that: that is not the opinion of the fishermen, who are experts on the quality of fish?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThat may be so, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there was no sale whatever for this fish, The fish would not stand transport and was fit only for manure.
§ Mr. SloanIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the catches taken on 27th and 31st June were quite good, and can he give any explanation why the catch on 28th June, from the same shoal, was such a bad lot?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot speak for the catch on 27th June, but I am sure there was no catch on 31st June. I can assure the hon. Gentleman there really was no sale in any possible market for that on 28th June.