§ 42. Mr. Leslieasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the recent Icelandic fish purchase is of fresh fish; and, if not, what proportion, approximately, is preserved and how is it preserved?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)The Ministry's purchase of Icelandic fish covers existing stocks and future production up to 30th June, 1942. The whole of the existing stocks is preserved, mainly by wet-salting. Of next season's production it is expected that about one third will be preserved, mainly by wet-salting but also by freezing and canning.
§ Mr. LeslieWill it be salt herrings?
§ Mr. LeslieIs the right hon. and gallant Member aware that during the last war thousands of barrels of salt herrings had to be destroyed, and that there is very little market in this country for salt herrings in any case?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI can assure my hon. Friend that, so far as possible, there will be no wastage of fish in this country.