asked the Minister of Agriculture the total tonnage of fresh and cured fish exported from this country to Europe in 1913, 1938 and 1946. respectively.

The quantities of fish exported from this country to Europe in 1913, 1938 and 1946 were, respectively, fresh fish, 66,000, 53,000 and 12,000 tons; cured fish, 437,000, 143,000 and 32,000 tons.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider with his colleagues the possibility of expanding the export of fish, in view of the grave necessity for timber from the Baltic States and Russia, which certainly we cannot get through exchanging coal with them, which we might get in exchange for increasing our exports of fish?

I assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the Herring Industry Board are doing their best in that direction.

Will the right hon. Gentleman particularly bear in mind the pilchard industry?