HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 c2013
35. Captain Pilkington

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of tinned sprats imported in 1950, 1951 and 1952; the estimated amount for 1953; and how these figures compare with those of pre-war days.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Canned sprats are described in the official import list as canned brisling. Imports under this heading during the year 1950, 1951 and 1952 amounted to 3,048 tons, 1,095 tons and 642 tons respectively, compared with 1,824 tons in 1938. I cannot estimate the quantity which will be imported in 1953.

Captain Pilkington

When fixing these amounts in the future, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the very vital need to look after the interests of the fishermen of this country who have frequently been unable to dispose of their catches?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I shall certainly bear these matters in mind, but my hon. Friend will, I am sure, appreciate that import quotas must be imposed for balance of payment reasons and not on a protective basis.