§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to increase the catch of elvers from the River Severn; and whether he will consider taking further action in view of the excellent food now going to waste?
Mr. HudsonMy efforts to increase supplies of eels or elvers for food are being mainly concentrated on the catching of mature eels, of which large quantities are available in our various inland waters. I assume that the local practice on the Severn of taking elvers for food in the spring is being followed this season. It can at best, however, make only a trifling addition to our food supply, and is bound to be adversely affected this year by the limited supply of labour and hampering effect of black-out restrictions.