asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any information regarding the research work carried out at the instance of the British Ministry of Fisheries into the preservation and processing of fish, particularly into the preservation by way of quick-freezing and kippering of herrings; and, if so, if he will have prepared and published for the benefit of the trade a White Paper on the methods now being put into operation in the Scottish East Coast herring centres; if he will state further if any like research work is being carried out in the matter of mackerel and pilchard in this country; and, if not, if he will have such experiments carried out without delay in respect of such fish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Processing of Fish.
I have seen newspaper reports indicating that research work of the kind referred to in the question is being carried out and that methods of fish preservation and processing are about to be tried out on a commercial basis at herring centres on the east coast of Scotland. Beyond what has appeared in the papers, I have no information as to what is being done in Great Britain and it would be premature, to say the least, for me to direct the preparation and publication of a White Paper on the subject. No such experimental work is being carried out in this country with regard to mackerel and pilchard, and it would not be possible to do so in existing circumstances, as there is no establishment here suitably equipped for the purpose.
Is it not correct that, if a Deputy of this House addresses a query to the Scottish Minister of Fisheries or to the British Minister of Agriculture, with the usual courtesy they will send any publications they have?
Yes, but they are not in a position to give us very much information at present.
No publication has been issued yet?
No, they are only experimenting.