HC Deb 16 June 1955 vol 542 cc738-9
17. Sir R. Boothby

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that licences will be refused for the importation to this country of any canned salmon or crab from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics until the Government of the Soviet Union have entered into a contract to buy such quantities of cured herring as the British exporters are able to offer, at prices which will secure for our herring fishermen an adequate reward for their efforts.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I will certainly bear in mind the representations of my hon. Friend but I would prefer not to make any statement on negotiations which are currently in progress.

Sir R. Boothby

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the original contract with the Soviet Union was based upon the importation by this country of canned salmon and crab, and that if they refuse to take our herrings it looks as if the whole thing will have to fall through?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will certainly bear that in mind.