HC Deb 20 March 1950 vol 472 cc1539-40
33. Brigadier Thorp

asked the Minister of Food why he is allowing the import of tinned Russian crab meat, when our own fishermen are unable to get a market for crabs.

Mr. Webb

There is a strong demand for canned crab meat, as well as for good quality home-caught crabs, and I can see no reason for limiting imports. If people like canned crab meat, I regard it as my duty to try to satisfy their demand. After all, as I said last week, "a little of what you fancy does you good."

Brigadier Thorp

Is the Minister accurate in his statement that there is a big demand for crab meat? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes."] Is he aware that at the present time fishermen have had to go on a quota because they cannot sell their crabs at the most important part of the season? Is he further aware that fishermen are getting only between 3s. and 4s. a pound for their crabs and that there is no demand at the moment? I am sure he is wrong.

Mr. Webb

I am sorry to find this opposition to a free market and to free competition from the other side of the House.

Mr. Erroll

Could not the demand for canned crab be met by canning home-caught crab?

Mr. Webb

That is another question.