§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the canned crabs and pilchards imported into the United Kingdom from Japan are in fact the species generally known in this country as crab and pilchard, respectively; and, if not, whether he can say exactly to what kind of fish these terms are applied by the Japanese canners?
§ Mr. W. S. Morrison:My information is that the pilchards imported into this country from Japan, while not of the same species as the pilchards found in European waters, are zoologically of the same family and have broadly the same characteristics. As regards Japanese canned crabs, however, the crustacean known as the "Japanese Crab" (Paralithodes) differs zoologically from the European Edible Crab (Cancer) which is the crustacean commonly known as crab in this country.
§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total value of imports into the United Kingdom from Japan in 1936 and 1937 of chilled and frozen salmon, of canned
2274Wundermentioned countries during each year 1934 to 1937.
salmon, of canned pilchards, of canned crabs, and of other sorts of fish, respectively; and what was the total value of British fish, preserved or fresh, exported from the United Kingdom to Japan in the same two years?
Mr. Stanley:I regret that it has not been possible to compile the desired information in the time available, but, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.
§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any Customs duties payable on Japanese fish, whether canned or chilled or frozen, imported into the United Kingdom, and, if so, what is the amount of such duties; whether there are any quota restrictions on the landing of these products; and whether the cans are labelled so as to disclose the country of origin?
Mr. Stanley:A duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem is charged on the importation into the United Kingdom of Japanese fish, whether canned or chilled or frozen, except oysters, canned pilchards (other 2275W than the canned fish commonly known as "sardines") and chilled or frozen salmon, the duties on which are 30 per cent. ad valorem, 10s. per cwt. and i£d. per lb. respectively. Imports of sea fish of certain descriptions (whether fresh or cured, but excluding canned fish) from Japan are subject to restriction under the Sea Fishing Industry (Regulation of Landing) Order, 1936. I understand that imported tinned fish is usually sold under names or trade marks which require to be qualified by an indication of origin under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, but I have no information whether that indication usually consists of the word "foreign" or "Empire," as the case may be, or a definite indication of the country of origin.