§ 15. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the present supply of crabs exceeds the demand; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that this food is not wasted.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. Prices are reasonable and should be an encouragement to the housewife to buy. I am also asking the White Fish Authority whether they could take any action to stimulate demand.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayCould not my right hon. and gallant Friend explore the possibility of cold storage during periods of temporary glut?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI will certainly look into that. My hon. and gallant Friend will be interested to know that approval has been given for the erection of a privately operated shellfish processing factory in Berwick. It is hoped that it will be opened before the season is ended.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIn view of my right hon. and gallant Friend's answer, which reveals that there is a glut of British crabs, is there any reason why we should 1674 import crabmeat from Russia in exchange for very much better quality herring?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think the herring people are glad to have the market.
§ Sir D. RobertsonBut could they not be paid for in cash?