§ 29. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why, in view of the shortage of food in Germany, prior arrangements were not made with the appropriate Government Departments to ensure that the shipping which was available was ready to carry to Germany supplies of herring as they became available because of a surplus for the home market.
§ Mr. J. HyndSuitable shipping can only be held available by withdrawing it indefinitely from its normal employment. In view of the unpredictable character of these surpluses, it would not be justifiable to immobilise shipping which is badly needed in the fishing industry and elsewhere. Within these limitations arrangements are made to take advantage of surpluses when they do arise, and, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Edinburgh, West (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison) on 20th November, normal market surpluses of fish are already being exported in considerable quantities to Germany.