§ 10. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the recent increase in the import and sale of foreign edibles, including fish, tinned, frozen and otherwise, in competition with the home-produced article, thereby increasing British unemployment; and what steps he will take to protect British industry.
§ Mr. ErrollNo, Sir. Imports of all foodstuffs in total, and of fish and fish preparations in particular, were no higher in the first five months of this year than in the corresponding period last year.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember his not so far distant visit to Aberdeen when he made various promises to increase trade, industry and commerce there—promises which have remained unfulfilled? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that unrestricted imports, such as those indicated in my Question, have a general reaction on a whole variety of industries and on unemployment? Will he take some practical steps to redeem the promises which he then made in Aberdeen?
§ Mr. ErrollI am not quite certain whether the hon. and learned Member is referring to a visit of mine or one by one of my Ministerial colleagues. Much as I regret it, I have to admit that I have not been to Aberdeen since I became a Minister.