§ 78. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has yet reconsidered the future of his Department's Research Establishment at Greyhope Road; and, in view of its successful services in the field of food dehydration and otherwise, if he will now allow the expert staff employed there to continue the use of the elaborate and expensive apparatus installed there.
§ Mr. SoamesI see no reason to alter the decision already announced that the development work at Aberdeen will, by the 31st March, 1961, have reached a stage at which private enterprise should take over. The considerable interest which a number of firms are showing in the process evolved at Aberdeen confirms this conclusion. There is good reason to hope that private firms or organisations will be interested in taking over the Premises and equipment to exploit the accelerated freeze drying process. Inquiries for the use of the factory are about to be invited by public advertisement. Meanwhile, I am considering whether alternative arrangements can be64W made for continuing the fundamental research work which is at present in progress at Greyhope Road.