HC Deb 19 May 1947 vol 437 cc1984-5
16. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Control Commission have yet completed their arrangements for the purchase of Norwegian herring; why similar arrangements have not also been effected with British producers; and if he will make a statement, in view of the apprehension of the herring industry in this country on the subject.

Mr. Mayhew

The British and American authorities, who are jointly responsible for the procurement of food for their two Zones, hope to conclude very shortly a contract for the supply of Norwegian herring during May and June. They are prepared to enter into a contract for the supply of British cured herring from June onwards. The question of a contract for British fresh herring is being pursued.

Mr. Evans

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the anxiety in the fishing industry concerning the long delay in the placing of a contract by the Control Commission; is it a fact that this bipartite arrangement is working to the disadvantage of the English herring industry; and did not the Herring Industry Board base its plans for this year on the assumption that a considerable contract would be placed with the Control Commission, particularly for klondyked herring?

Mr. Mayhew

I agree about the anxiety in the British herring industry, but I think that my statement shows that considerable progress has been made and while negotiations are still under way I should not like to make any further comment

Mr. Evans

The Minister has already stated that a contract has been signed with Norway and surely it is most inequitable that British funds should be used for the purchasing of Norwegian herring when we in this country are quite capable of selling them and the contract has been hanging on now since the end of last year?

Mr. Mayhew

As I have said. we are prepared to enter into a British contract for cured herring and the question of a contract for fresh herring is being pursued. While the negotiations are under way, taking consideration of the cost—and the relative cost of British and Norwegian herrings is a relevant point—I do not think I can say more.