§ 53. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Food what quantity of canned pilchards 56W have been purchased outside the sterling area during the past 12 months; and why any pilchards have been imported into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Strachey13,700 tons of pilchards were purchased outside the sterling area during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1946. They were imported to eat.
§ 77. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that his Department informed the fish buyers in Cornwall that they believed that U.N.R.R.A. would take the processed pilchards and recommended them to tank; in view of this fact what he proposes to do with regard to last season's tanked pilchards; and if he is aware that an immediate decision is required in order to empty the tanks and give room to the pilchard catch of the coming season.
§ Mr. StracheyThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part: unfortunately, the U.N.R.R.A. transaction fell through. A buyer has now been found, however, for last season's tanked pilchards, though at a lower price. We propose to make some recompense to the curers for financial loss on these transactions. I understand that most of the tanks have now been cleared.