Mr. Gandar Dowerasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a circular was sent to the Wick Kipperers' Association with an allocation form inquiring as to their capacity for kippering; that the association thereupon incurred expense by the purchase of boxes and mush, and in some cases engaged labour, but that on inquiry they were informed that the form had been sent for information only; and whether, in view of the unemployment in Wick, the decision will be reconsidered.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am aware of the despatch of the circular and form in question, but the circular pointed out that allocations of Norwegian herring would be given only to kipperers at or within easy reach of the landing ports, and in relation to Aberdeen, the nearest landing port to Wick, the circular referred only to the Moray Firth, Edinburgh and Glasgow areas. I am sorry if the Wick kipperers misunderstood the circular, but in view of its terms, they would have been well advised to seek further information from my 19W Department before incurring expenses. Since an allocation of Norwegian herring to Wick would mean unnecessary transport and expense at a time when smoke houses near Aberdeen are not working to capacity, my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot reverse his decision.