§ 38. Mr. Leslieasked the Minister of Food whether agreement has yet been reached with the East Coast fishermen to accept the offer of 30s. per cran for surplus herring to be processed into margarine, so as to prevent dumping into the sea of surplus herring.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Scottish Herring Producers' Association, representing the majority of the East Coast fishermen, has not formally accepted the offer to buy surplus herring for reduction at 30s. per cran; but a number of fishermen at Fraserburgh and Peterhead sold their surpluses at this price at the beginning of the season, and we are hopeful that in the future they and other fishermen will be willing to do so and thus realise the value of the surpluses both to themselves and the country
§ Mr. LeslieIn the event of dumping being continued by these fishermen, will the Ministry consider prosecuting them for the deliberate destruction of food?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe are considering this matter very carefully.