§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied as to the genuineness of the alleged demand for wet salted cod-fish in Scotland; whether he can state the quantity of cod-fish imported to date since 1st December last; and what proportion of the fish was taken by hotels, by restaurants and catering establishments, and by fish friers, respectively?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe weekly quantities of wet salted cod distributed to Scottish wholesale fish merchants showed some falling off in December, but there were large increases in the weeks ended 9th and 16th January. I have no reason to think that the figures do not reflect an increased demand from consumers. In reply to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question it is not in the national interests in war time to publish particulars of imports arriving in this country. I have no information to enable me to answer the last part of the Question.