§ 44. Mr. Youngerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about the prospects of the experiment in quick-freezing at sea which is to be conducted by the "Northern Wave"; what is the cause of the present delays; and what loss will fall upon public funds as a result.
§ Mr. NugentIt is too early to forecast the prospects of the experiment, but the White Fish Authority do not think that the present delay should be prejudicial. The manufacturers who developed and installed the refrigerating equipment, which is novel in design, found unforeseen difficulties after its installation. They have accepted responsibility for remedying the defects and are giving this priority. I cannot yet say what if any extra cost may have to be accepted on public funds.