§ 35. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state his plans for establishing, in connection with the Tony Experimental Food Station, Aberdeen, a 791 factory for production of dehydrated food on a commercial basis for the world export markets.
Mr. AmoryI have no such plans. Processes developed at the Ministry's Research Establishment are published and are therefore available to any firm wishing to develop them commercially. I am informed that one such firm is considering production at Aberdeen.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that that answer shows that the Government are missing a splendid opportunity to do several useful things simultaneously—first, to provide further employment in Aberdeen; secondly, to provide for national and international emergency, as was found in the case of the Hungarian refugees; and thirdly, to increase our national food supply? In conjunction with whichever other Ministers are appropriate, will he reconsider that answer with a view to giving a constructive one?
Mr. AmoryI think it is unlikely either that I shall reconsider that answer or that I shall find myself in entire agreement with the hon. and learned Member on this matter. This is very definitely a matter which, however desirable and however economic, is not appropriate to Government action.