British Interest In Oysters

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30107, 16 April 1963, Page 13

British Interest In Oysters

(New Zeal no Press Association

'NVERC ARCJILL, April 14 Southland oyster merchants ire interested in a London report that the possibility of exporting New Zealand oysters to Britain is being explored by 8.0.A.C. and interested hoteliers and restaurateurs. Because of a bitter winter and high mortality in English oyster beds, there is likely to be something of an oyster 'am’ne in Britain this year a Press Association special >rresoondent said in the report Merchants here make it clear, however, that they would need Government clearance. Some said that beause of a Government policy not to send oysters abroad they are not at all interested

in doing anything about exporting. Nevertheless, it has become apparent that not all the members of the Government are opposed to the idea of oyster exports, although the fishing inquiry recommended the export of other than canned and cooked oysters should continue to be prohibited. The Minister of Customs (Mr Shelton) asked for his view, said: “As far as my department is concerned, we look favourably on oyster export inquiries" But it was. he emphasised, a question to be dealt with mainly by the Minister of Marine (Mr Gerard). Last year Mr Gerard, when questioned, referred to a X 961 shipment of 200 cases of oyster soup to Britain, and

saiu any future application to export oyster soup would be ’reated on its merits.

He said the shipment by the Southland Canning Company was part of a large stock which the company had been unable to sell in the previous 12 months.

The company says the export was only an experiment and that studies are still being made into the possibilities of the British market.

The London .report does not say whether the interest of hoteliers and restaurateurs there concerns raw oyster* or oysters in any form. The interest is probably in raw oysters. Oysters in any other form are uncommon in Britain where the customdirected largely by price—is to enjoy them one at a time.