HC Deb 21 March 1960 vol 620 c1W
1 and 2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he is aware of the successful work and world-wide prestige of his Department's experimental factory in Greyhope Road, Aberdeen; how many people are now employed there; why he proposes to close it down in 1961; and where he proposes that the work done by it in the public interest will in future be carried on;

(2) if he will make a detailed statement on the progress and future duration of the laboratory research and other work relating to the dehydration of food and the new accelerated freeze-drying pilot plant in his Department's experimental factory in Greyhope Road, Aberdeen.

Mr. Godber

I am glad to have the hon. and learned Member's confirmation of the success and wide prestige of my Ministry's Research Establishment at Aberdeen. This Establishment has made great advances in the field of food dehydration and has introduced a most promising technique of accelerated freeze drying.

There are today 148 people employed at the Research Establishment, of whom 53 are scientific staff and 83, including casual labour, are employees of the industrial firm which acts as our service agents.

As to the future of the Establishment, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the Member for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir) on 29th February this year.