§ 67. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Food how much tinned Snoek has been purchased by his Department; what was the price paid; and whether he is satisfied that this purchase serves a useful purpose.
§ Sir T. MooreOn a point of Order. Could we have an explanation from the right hon. Gentleman of what is Snoek or "Sneek" or whatever it is?
§ Mr. StracheyAbout 2,400 tons of canned Snoek were recently purchased from South Africa and I shall be purchasing a further 1,450 tons from next season's pack. It would be contrary to the public interest to announce the prices 24 paid. The useful purpose served is to have the fish to eat.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterArising out of the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, is he aware that the director of the South African Government's Fisheries Department has publicly stated that this fish is inedible?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, I am not aware of that, nor is it the case. I have read rumours of that allegation, but it is not in the least the case. I can give the hon. Member the real facts if he likes to have them.
§ Mr. MitchisonCan the Minister confirm or deny the rumour that it is only mackerel anyhow?
§ Mr. StracheyI can deny the rumour. Snoek is a South African fish. I have eaten some myself. A great deal has been sold in this country in the past year and it has had a very ready sale.
§ Commander NobleIs the Minister aware that, whatever it is, a large quantity of this food remains unsold in the shops?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, I am not aware of it. If we found it unsaleable we should not buy it. There is a ready demand for it and it sells very well indeed.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Minister aware that the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) only put the Question down in order to "cock a snook" at the Ministry?