HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc986-7W
Mr. Hannah

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the difficulty of buying fresh herring in the Black Country, and will he take steps to assure a more adequate supply to the local fishmongers?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am aware that there is the usual seasonal shortage of fresh herring, but I understand that supplies are being allocated by the coastal merchants on the basis of pre-war purchases, and there appears to be no reason for supposing that any part of the country is not receiving a share of such fresh herring as are available for distribution. I do not consider that the situation warrants any interference with normal trade channels at present.