Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken during the past year to increase the sale of British fish abroad; and what steps, in particular, have been taken by the Herring Industry Board in this connection?
§ Mr. ELLIOTDuring the early part of 1935 extensive inquiries were conducted by the Department of Overseas Trade into the possibility of expanding existing markets or opening up new markets abroad for British herring. The results 51W of these inquiries were communicated to the Herring Industry Board. Exports of herring have declined in recent years, largely as the result of limitations imposed on imports into foreign countries and of prevailing economic conditions. The Herring Industry Board were, however, successful in arranging a contract for the sale of 100,000 barrels to Russia last year and were able from time to time to afford the exporting branch of the industry material assistance in dealing with difficulties arising in the course of business with other markets. They are undertaking an advertisement campaign in Palestine where the trade in herring seems capable of development and are considering whether new or additional markets can be found in the United States of America and some other countries.
Other branches of the British fishing industry are, in general, less dependent on foreign markets than the herring industry. The needs of all British fish exporters, whether of herring or of other fish or fish products, have, however, been kept constantly in view by the Departments concerned and efforts have been made during the year, as need arose, or as opportunity offered in the course of trade negotiations, to assist the industry by procuring the withdrawal or modification of foreign tariffs, quotas or other restraints on the British export trade.