HC Deb 14 December 1966 vol 738 cc454-5
50. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what institutions are doing fisheries research; and what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the work being done by these various colleges and institutes.

Mr. Hoy

Fisheries research is carried out mainly by the two Fisheries Departments, the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board, but much of the fundamental work in marine and freshwater biology and oceanography of the National Institute of Oceanography, the Marine and Freshwater Biological Associations and various Universities is directly relevant to this research. This work is co-ordinated through the Oceanography and Fisheries Committee of the Natural Environment Research Council.

The Torry Research Station of the Ministry of Technology is responsible for research into fish processing and handling.

Mr. Johnson

Is it not a fact that there could be better chances of co-ordinating the work being done at Hull, Lowestoft, Aberdeen and elsewhere, and of these workers getting together if it were possible to have a conference of some kind, so that they could be more in touch with each other's work and activities?

Mr. Hoy

A considerable number of conferences have been held not only between the various bodies in our own country but with international organisations. However, I shall certainly look into whether these consultations can be improved.