§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can provide any recent statistics showing how the home production of canned fish compares with the imports of such products; and whether, with a view to assisting the fishing industry, he can now arrange to stimulate plans for canning larger quantities of British fish so that adequate reserve supplies are available in the event of an emergency?
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§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe latest census of production figures, which relate to 1935, show the total output of canned fish in the United Kingdom in that year to have been approximately 173,000 cwt., consisting mainly of herring. Retained imports of canned fish in 1935 amounted to 1,410,000 cwt., including 1,034,000 cwt. of salmon. Negotiations are at present in progress with British canners with a view to the acquisition of a reserve of canned herring, which are the class of fish considered most suitable for the Government's storage scheme.
Mr. Adamsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with his proposed visit to Hull and Grimsby for the purpose of studying the fishing industry, he is arranging to meet representatives of the trade unions with members engaged in the industry?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithYes Sir.