§ 76. Sir Basil Neven-Spenceasked the Minister of Food why thousands of crans of high-quality herring recently landed on the west coast of Scotland were sold for reduction to meal and oil, whilst at the same time large quantities of poor quality Norwegian herring were being imported for food; and if he will consider reversing the use to which Scottish and Norwegian herring are being put.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe import Norwegian herrings at this time of the year because British-caught supplies are variable in quantity and generally not enough to meet our needs. I cannot agree that the bulk of the Norwegian herrings are of poor quality. Most of them are used for kippering and kipperers are free to buy British or Norwegian herrings as they think best for their business.
§ Sir B. Neven-SpenceIs not the right hon. Lady aware that the Scottish west coast herring caught at this time of year make incomparably better kippers than these rather drier varieties?
§ Dr. SummerskillI wish the hon. Gentleman would persuade the kipperers of that.