§ 53. Mr. Haireasked the Minister of Food what supplies of whale meat have been made available off the ration in this country; and what has been the public response.
§ Dr. SummerskillWhale meat is being imported and distributed by private traders. Supplies on a limited scale have been imported recently, but I have no information as to the precise quantity, and it is too early to form an opinion as to the public response.
§ Mr. HaireCan my hon. Friend take any steps to increase the supply and distribution of this excellent food?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, certainly. We are taking steps. We have given the traders import licences amounting to 6,000 tons.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWould the Minister say, as a doctor, that whale meat is good for us?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes. Sir. Its protein value is as great as that of beef.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Ministry of Food giving any assistance to the public about how to cook it?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes. We are having experiments in our kitchens now. [Interruption.] Certainly, we always have experiments before we try anything on hon. Members opposite.