§ 31. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the acute shortage of sardines in the shops; and whether he will make a statement about supply possibilities.
§ Mr. StracheySardines have been scarce. We recently concluded a contract for the purchase of 250,000 cases of sardines from French Morocco, and we shall be releasing a substantial quantity on points in the rationing period beginning on 7th December. The main source of supply is Portugal, and we have not been able to buy for currency reasons, but I hope that the trade talks about to begin will enable us to start buying there again.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWas not the whole of the Portuguese output bought by the United States, and was not this simply a case of delay by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. We were unable to go into the Portuguese market, for currency reasons. We could not afford to do so, and there was no question of delay.