HC Deb 14 March 1950 vol 472 cc56-7W
102. Mr. Stewart

asked the Minister of Food what quantities of Norwegian herrings were imported during each week since 2nd January, 1950; at what prices were they sold to the wholesalers; and what quantities of prime herrings caught by Scottish fishermen were sold for fish meal during the same weeks and at what prices.

Mr. Webb

I give below a table showing weekly figures of herring supplies, imports and sales for making oil and meal. The Herring Industry Board purchase herrings for reduction to oil and meal at 35s. a cran. I have no details of the prices paid for Norwegian herrings as the importing is now done by private traders and prices are negotiated by them items in which sugar is the principal or main ingredient.

Mr. Webb

On these matters I take the advice of the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council. On their recommendation extra sugar is already allowed to invalids of any age suffering from certain conditions. Any exceptional application for special rations supported by a medical certificate receives individual consideration by my medical advisers. I am afraid sugar is too scarce for me to make any more general concession for old people.