asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he has sent to the Scottish Herring Producers Association in response to the appeal in connection with tinplate supplies contained in their letter to him of 7th February.

Although tinplate is in very short supply and many industries are having to accept cuts in their allocations, it is hoped to allocate to the fish canners the same supplies as in 1950. The canners have been told this and invited to get in touch with the Ministry of Food at once should they run into any difficulties. My right hon. Friend is writing to the Association accordingly, and is sending the hon. Member a copy of his letter.

Is not this a matter for the Herring Industry Board to take up with the canners, and not for the Government? Why is the Board excluded? Why must it be done by the Ministry of Food?

I should have thought it fairly obvious that the canners should get into touch with the Ministry of Food, and not with the Herring Industry Board.

Is the Minister not aware that a very small reduction in the amount of the tinplate we are now exporting would satisfy the requirements of the canners in this country?