§ 44. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost of Fishery Research Ship "Explorer"; when she will be ready for sea; and what her programme of work will be in the near future.
§ Mr. J. StuartI expect the ship to cost about £313,000 and to be ready for sea at the end of January next. She will be employed mainly in the nearer waters in her first year but will make occasional trips to the Faröes and waters further off. Her duties will include the collection of information about stocks of fish and sea conditions and she will carry out fishing experiments with trawls and other kinds of gear.