§ 60. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Food whether he has considered representations from the fish friers of Birmingham on the quantities of fish available for the needs of fish friers, who can only secure limited supplies after the wholesale and retail fish distributors have been supplied; and whether he will take steps to secure a reasonable quantity of fish for the fish friers.
§ Colonel LlewellinI have received no representations from fish friers in Birmingham. They draw their supplies from the same sources and on the same basis as fishmongers in that city.
§ Sir P. HannonWill my right hon. and gallant Friend have inquiries made to find out whether these estimable people, the fish friers of Birmingham, have reasonable supplies of fish?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, I have inquired into that matter, and they are receiving the same proportion on the basic figures as the fish merchants in that city.
§ 61. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Food whether he is taking any steps to increase the supply of tinned herring and pilchards; and whether he will see that a sufficient quantity of raw matje herring is made available to the public.
§ Colonel LlewellinDuring the greater part of the year the catch of herring and pilchards is insufficient to meet demand. I am seeing whether anything can be done to make more available to canners at times of heavy landings. In regard to the last part of the Question, demand is low, and I hope landings will be sufficient to meet it.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the raw matje herring is the most succulent of all forms of fish, not excluding caviare?
§ Colonel LlewellinI am told that it is extremely succulent, but the demand is low.
§ Mr. DribergCan the right hon. Gentleman not stimulate the demand by some of his admirable advertisements?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonCan we see this herring in the House of Commons?