§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Food what action was taken against the North Shields fishermen who recently returned 450,000 herrings into the sea because of 253W the low prices offered; and if he will take steps to prevent food being wasted in:his way.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI have been asked to reply. No action has been taken against the North Shields fishermen because, according to my information, the report that they had to return large quantities of herring to the sea was quite unfounded. On one day of heavy landings a quantity of herring was landed in such poor condition that no buyers for some of the fish could be found at any price. Some of this low grade surplus herring was disposed of on the following day but the remainder had to be sent to the meal works.