HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 c1011
72. Mr. Grimond

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to find markets for herrings on the Continent of Europe.

The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Bottomley)

Apart from the export promotion work done by the Herring Industry Board, His Majesty's Government do all they can in their trade negotiations with European countries to secure markets for herrings. They have so far secured appropriate assurances for herring exports in 1950 in trade arrangements with Poland, Western Germany, Finland, Sweden and Austria. As a result of the liberalisation measures introduced by Greece, Italy and Portugal, herrings are admitted free of import licence into those countries.

Mr. Grimond

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the amount involved, in view of the very great importance of these exports to the herring industry?

Mr. Bottomley

I cannot.

Mr. Boothby

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is no good merely including herrings in a list of articles to be exported or imported, and that specific amounts must be specified?

Mr. Bottomley

It is for the industry to sell. The Government cannot do it for them. We are making provision for this amount to be sold.