§ 64. Miss Colmanasked the Minister of Food if he will give the total value in dollars of tinned fish and oysters imported 1787 from the U.S.A. during the last six months; and the reason for permitting these goods to be imported.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe total value of imports of canned fish from the U.S.A. during the six months ended 30th June, 1947, was about 21 million dollars, including about 240,000 dollars for canned oysters. Almost all of these imports were Ministry purchases of salmon and pilchards, intended for distribution under points rationing. The oysters were part of the private importations permitted under an open general licence for canned fish products which is no longer in force.
§ Mr. BeswickCan the Minister say whether it is intended to allow any further importations of this canned fish?
§ Dr. SummerskillAs I have pointed out, the open general licence is no longer in force.