HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 c273
42. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much currency has been allocated by the French Government for the purchase of British lobsters.

Mr. Mackeson

£4,000 was allocated in the second quarter of this year for the importation of lobster and other sea crustacea from the United Kingdom. The amount that will be allocated for the current quarter is being discussed with the French authorities.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Can my hon. Friend extend some hope that the amount received for the current quarter will be somewhat in excess of that not very large sum?

Mr. Mackeson

The French authorities have already invited applications for licences from their importers, and I hope that a decision as to the amount to be licensed will be reached within the next few days.