HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 cc180-1
11. Sir R. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement about the negotiations for the sale of cured herring to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am glad to be able to inform the House that, following negotiations in Moscow last month, a contract for the sale of cured herring to the U.S.S.R. to the value of approximately £973,000 has been signed by Associated Herring Merchants Limited acting for the Herring Industry Board. In return, my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food has concluded negotiations for the purchase of Russian canned salmon and crab meat to a value equivalent to that of the Herring Contract and the tinplate required. I cannot disclose the total quantity of herring involved, but I am informed by the Board that, allowing for the shortfall on last year's contract and for sales to other countries, they expect that there will be a market for about 280,000 barrels of cured herring from this year's production in Scotland and East Anglia. That is substantially more than last year's total production of 177,000 barrels.

Sir R. Boothby

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this news will be received with lively satisfaction, not only throughout the herring fishing industry, but in circles far beyond it?

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while this will give satisfaction in existing circumstances, it would be much better if the good food, herring, were more consumed at home and did not need to be exchanged for a less valuable food from abroad?

Mr. M. MacMillan

Whilst agreeing with both hon. Members that this agreement will give the greatest satisfaction everywhere, is it not rather a pity that there was not greater pressure to try to get coarse grains and timber rather than tinned crab, which at 3s. 9d. for 3 oz. is not within the reach of most people in this country? What persistent efforts have been made to get things which are really more necessary for the British consumer and economy?

Mr. Stuart

We have to negotiate the best deal we can. I would of course have welcomed such suggestions as the hon. Member has made, but those who bargained on the other side preferred to deal in crab meat.

Sir R. Boothby

May I ask my right hon. Friend to point out to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn) that the herring fishing industry was built up on the export trade, and without the export trade it could not hope to survive, and that therefore this is one of the best things which has ever happened to it?