asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the interest of British fishermen, he will consider what steps he can take to have the surplus fish caught salted down and exported, particularly to the West and East Indies, which at present import salted fish chiefly from Holland?

I have no doubt that the salt fish merchants in this country have explored and will continue to ex- plore the possibilities for the economic expansion of the market for their products. As my hon. Friend will be aware, legislation designed to assist the white fish industry is now before the House, and market development is one of the matters relating to the industry which could properly come under the review of the Commission which it is proposed to constitute under the Bill.