asked the President of the Board of Trade what recent steps he has taken to increase the export of Scottish herring for consumption in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

I have been asked to reply.

During 1953 approximately 169,000 barrels of cured herring were exported to Russia, as compared to 162,000 in 1952. The Herring Industry Board is at present negotiating for the sale of rough packed herring from the winter catch. The Government will do everything in their power to assist the Board to promote further sales of herring to Russia.

Is the Minister aware that Scots herring continue to be more and more popular amongst the Red Army and that the consumption is increasing; and will he give an assurance that herring will not be banned as a strategic material?

I think the best answer is that I hope that the hon. Gentleman is not mixing up cured herring and red herring.