33. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the export of tinplate and manufactured cans destined for Soviet salmon, he can give an assurance that the needs of the English canners of fresh fruit will come first and be satisfied before further quantities for export are allocated.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe requirements of tinplate at home are taken fully into account when deciding what can be exported to pack food overseas for supply to this country, but we are bound also to consider the relative importance of the foods to be canned. So far as we know there should be about as many cans for fruit in 1949 as in recent years.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Lady aware that in the Vale of Evesham many of the canners had an inadequate supply for last season's fruit, and will she see that the home canners do not have to waste fruit, by ensuring that there are the necessary cans for next fruit season?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe are going to do our best.
§ Major Legge-BourkeCould the hon. Lady tell the House whether any tinplate was exported to the Soviet Union for last season's strawberry crop?
§ Dr. SummerskillI could not say that without notice.
§ Dr. SegalIs the hon. Lady aware that she stated in this House that all tinned salmon comes from the dollar areas, and does her statement now mean that the Soviet territories are to be included in the dollar areas?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. I have said in the past, when I have been challenged, that a great deal of canned salmon came from Canada and the United States, and now we hope to get some from Russia.
§ Mr. Douglas MarshallIs the hon. Lady aware of the high protein value of the pilchard, and of the tin shortages that have arisen in the canning factories of Looe and Mevagissey, and will she take immediate action to put these right?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir, I am aware of that.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWhen the hon. Lady says that the tinplate supply is going to be as big as last season, is she aware that in the consultations which have taken place with her Ministry some assurance was given to the growers that tinplate next year would be greater than last year?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. and gallant Member wanted to know if it would not be less and I answered him. I am very pleased to hear what he says.