asked the Minister of Food if he has contracted with the Norwegian Government for the importation of Norwegian herring to be kippered in Scotland; what are the terms of the contract; where are the herring to be landed; in what quantities, and where are they to be kippered; and what will be the effect on the price and supply of kippered herring for food in Great Britain.

Yes, Sir. The contract with the Norwegian authorities, pro- vides for the sale beween 1st January and 30th April of up to 30,000 tons of herrings. The quantity imported will depend upon the fishing and the demand. The herrings will be landed at Aberdeen, North Shields and Hull. About two-thirds will be offered to kipperers in or near these ports. Kippers produced from Norwegian herrings will be subject to the same maximum prices as kippers produced from British herrings and will be a useful addition to food supplies.