§ 41. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food whether he will make inquiries of the Soviet Government on the possibility of their exporting to this country tinned salmon.
Dr. HillRussian canned salmon is still being delivered under the terms of last year's contract with the Ministry of Food. As my right hon. and gallant Friend has already announced, the trade in canned salmon is being returned to private importers this year and he does not, therefore, propose to enter into any new negotiations for supplies. Further imports from Russia this year will be a matter for negotiation by the trade.
§ Mr. LewisWhilst the Minister may not be desirous of entering into actual negotiations, surely he can make some inquiries, because he will agree that if we can get this tinned salmon without spending dollars, it will help the balance of payments. Would he not at least make a few inquiries to assist private business?
Dr. HillI take note of the suggestion, but I would point out that about £300,000 of last year's supply has yet to come, and that the new pack does not begin to arrive until the end of June.
§ Commander DonaldsonWill my hon. Friend keep in mind the fact that the salmon which comes from Canada is also red and that it is preferable to buy from Empire countries than from the Soviet Union?