Canned Pilchards (Hansard, 15 April 1953)

§ 31. Mr. Hayman
asked the Minister of Food what quantities of Japanese canned pilchards were imported during 1952; at what cost; and what are the figures for 1953 to the latest convenient date.

§ Major Lloyd George
None, Sir.

§ 32. Mr. Hayman
asked the Minister of Food what quantities of South African canned pilchards were imported during 1952; at what cost; and what are the figures for 1953 to the latest convenient date.

§ Major Lloyd George
From South Africa, 4,891 tons valued at £756,167 c.i.f. in 1952; 230 tons valued at £35,010 in January-February, 1953, the latest period for which figures are available. From South West Africa, 745 tons valued at £123,328 in 1952, and 271 tons valued at £43,826 in January-February, 1953. These were all imported on private account.

§ Mr. Hayman
Is the Minister aware that there were heavy importations of South African canned pilchards at the height of the Cornish canning season last year, and that the stocks of Cornish canned pilchards in January, 1952, were 720,000, of which 44 per cent. had been sold abroad, whereas, in January of this year, the figure was 1,707,000, of which very little was sold abroad? Will he bear in mind that this industry and the Cornish pilchard fishing industry will almost be facing extinction unless some effort is made to give help to these industries?

§ Major Lloyd George
The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that that really is not in my power, because these imports were freed in August, 1951, and, therefore, the matter has nothing whatever to do with me. The only point that I would make is that, of course, as a result of the freeing of the market, there were probably very much heavier imports in 1952 than would be the normal, and that that probably accounts for a very great deal of the glut on the market.

§ Mr. G. R. Howard
Would my right hon. and gallant Friend not agree that the answer probably lies in the reply given yesterday by his hon. Friend in the fact that we should adjust the tariff on the imports of these pilchards, especially while our pilchards are denied the South African market?

§ Major Lloyd George
My hon. Friend will appreciate that that is not a point for my Department.