§ 18. Sir David Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much fresh fish from Iceland has been contracted for by the Control Commission for delivery to Altona and Hamburg; and to what extent does the British taxpayer bear the cost.
§ Mr. MayhewA contract is being placed with Iceland for the delivery during 1949 of up to 67,000 tons of fresh fish to the Western zones of Germany. The cost is being met by His Majesty's Government and is due for repayment from the proceeds of future German imports.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIn view of the food shortage here, can we afford to buy 60 thousand odd tons of fresh fish, for 2459 which the British taxpayer has to pay, for Germany, and is it not time that we let the Germans fish in Icelandic waters as they have done for many years?
§ Mr. MayhewWe have also a responsibility regarding Germany which we cannot ignore.
§ Commander NobleCan the Under-Secretary say what progress has been made by the Germans with the trawlers which they have been allowed to build?
§ Mr. MayhewThat is a different question.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWhy is it that the Foreign Office will not permit the Germans to build trawlers a little bigger than those now being built so that they can fish Icelandic waters, which they are willing to do?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat has nothing to do with the original Question.