andDr. Esmonde asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the fact that an Bord Iascaigh Mhara have recently marketed Scottish kippers despite the fact that prime Irish herrings were procurable for kippering; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Scottish Kippers.
It is the policy of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara not to import kippers when home landings of herrings are available in sufficient quantity to meet the demand for kippers. On a recent occasion a consignment of Scottish kippers reached the board when herring landings had commenced but I understand that the sale of the landings or of the kippers made therefrom was not adversely affected by the imported kippers.
Surely the board should have known that the herring season was about to commence and refrained from importing Scotch kippers of a particular kind.
I think the Deputy is as well aware as I am that the coming of the herrings is very unpredictable. It is not possible to say when these fishings will commence. In view of the fact that there are firm contracts which have to be fulfilled for the supply of kippers the board has to take the necessary steps to meet the contracts.