§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement upon the results achieved by the voyage of the Hull fishing trawler "Kirk Ella", sponsored by the White Fish Authority to the coast of South-West Africa.
§ Mr. HoyI understand that the voyage achieved its primary aim of obtaining 129W data needed to assist our industry in deciding whether to exploit the South-West African fishery. Methods of handling and processing fish caught in the area, notably hake, were tested under the direction of scientists from the Torry Research Station and the results are now being evaluated by the White Fish Authority in conjunction with the industry and trade. In addition, an extensive echo survey was carried out by M.A.F.F. scientists, who also collected other information about the size and distribution of fish resources. It is too early to say whether the area is likely to be commercially attractive to our industry.