HC Deb 02 March 1949 vol 462 cc361-3
55. Mr. F. Maclean

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the widespread indignation caused by this practice, he will take steps to prevent the dyeing and varnishing of kippers.

59. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of large sections of the community in having to accept dyed kippers in lieu of those properly cured; if he will make it compulsory for dyed kippers to be so labelled when exposed for sale; and if he will take steps to discourage the dyeing of kippers with the ultimate aim of banning their sale.

Mr. Strachey

Some people do not like dyed kippers, some people do. The dye is entirely harmless, and I can see no reason for interfering with the consumer's choice in this matter.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that have received letters from all over the country deploring the fact that dyed kippers are put on fishmongers' slabs in the same place as properly cured kippers with no means of differentiating between them; and will he answer the second part of the Question whether he will consider having the kippers labelled?

Mr. Strachey

We could consider that, but if consumers have a preference for undyed kippers they should express it by patronising those shops which supply undyed kippers.

Mrs. Middleton

Is the Minister aware that there is no consumer's choice in this matter? Housewives have to take the kippers which are available, and they are dyed kippers.

Mr. Strachey

With great respect, I do not agree with my hon. Friend in that matter. The supply of, and demand for, kippers is not out of equilibrium at the moment. It is quite possible to choose between the different supplies of kippers.

Mr. Cobb

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a kipper should only be sold as a kipper if it is smoked? If it is dyed it is not a kipper. Will he consult with the legal representatives in his Department and see whether he should not initiate proceedings against people who sell as kippers herrings which are in fact dyed and not smoked?

Mr. Strachey

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Even dyed kippers are smoked, they have to be. I should certainly take proceedings if kippers were sold which had not been smoked. They are smoked, but to a lesser degree, and then dyed. Some people prefer that process, and some people prefer the other.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the Question of my hon. Friend relating to varnishing which he has not yet answered? I do not know whether his answer is that that process is also harmless.

Mr. Strachey

We know of no instances of the varnishing of kippers. If it is done, and instances are brought to my attention, I will certainly look into the matter.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that much of this alleged indignation about dyed and varnished kippers would be removed if the advice was given to consumers to remove the cellophane wrapping first?

Mr. Strachey

I think that some people must have mistaken kippers enclosed in cellophane wrapping for varnished kippers.