§ VISCOUNT CECIL OF CHELWOODMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, why it is so difficult for the ordinary consumer to procure herrings even when, according to Press notices, a large surplus of them has been caught?]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, although landings of herrings have been 802 higher, and although surpluses have been available on many occasions during the present Scottish summer season, the quantity sold in the home market has, so far, been somewhat less than last year. This is largely due to the poorer quality of the herrings landed in the principal fishing area, and to the lack of demand by the public and the trade during the periods of very hot weather. In hot weather the trade is naturally reluctant to handle herrings—particularly to send them long distances. Moreover, at such periods the general demand is slack, although some people may still look for them. The distribution of herrings has never been subject to control, but my right honourable friend, the Minister of Food, has endeavoured to stimulate demand by means of publicity, and to encourage retailers to handle herrings by increasing their margins of profit on this fish under the Maximum Prices Order, and by paying for the use of a refrigerant on all herrings dispatched south of the Scottish Border. It is hoped that the quality of herrings will improve and that fishmongers will make an effort to satisfy the requirements of their customers for herrings.
§ VISCOUNT CECIL OF CHELWOODI am much obliged.