HL Deb 13 June 1945 vol 136 c577

2.40 p.m.

LORD GRANTLEY

My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government, whether there is any truth in the newspaper reports of gluts of herrings being thrown back into the sea; and whether, in view of the shortage of fish for general consumption, they can give any reason for transport not being provided for the distribution of these catches; and whether they will state how many Government Departments would be involved in making arrangements for the transport and distribution of this wasted food.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, the answer to the first part of the noble Lord's question is that there is no truth in the newspaper reports of gluts of herrings being cast back into the sea. Transport is being provided for the distribution of herrings from the various ports, and there is no evidence that herrings have been wastes through lack of transport facilities. Two Departments—namely, the Ministry of War Transport and the Ministry of Food—are responsible for arrangements for the transport and distribution of herrings.