§ Mr. WATTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there are at present at Stornoway, in the Hebrides, 100,000 barrels of pickled herring ready for consumption; whether the delay in sending these away is traceable to his Department, whose decision as to their disposal is awaited; and, if so, when the decision will be given and what will be its effect?
Captain BATHURSTThe quantity of herrings pickled in brine in Stornoway is about 75,000 barrels. It is clearly desirable that these fish, although not usually eaten in this country, should be retained for consumption under present circumstances, and steps are being taken which it is hoped may render this practicable. In the meantime, the export of these fish is prohibited.