asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the work of the Torry Research Station, Aberdeen.

The Torry Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research studies properties affecting the quality of fish as food and aims to improve preservation methods and also the equipment and procedures used at sea or on land in handling, storing, processing, and distributing fish. It collaborates closely with the White Fish Authority, the Herring Industry Board and the various sections of the fish industry.

Does the Minister realise that the most important aspect of this very useful work carried on by the Torry Research Station lies in its application to trade and industry with a view to facilitating not only British trade but British exports? Will he address his mind to that aspect and make a comprehensive statement on that?

I am not sure that the House would welcome a comprehensive statement at Question Time, but the hon. and learned Member is quite correct in saying that the work of the station is of immediate importance and application. It is concerned with the handling and treatment of fish straight from the sea, as it were, freezing, cold storage, smoking and prevention of deterioration. We have all these aspects very much in mind.