asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if research work is still being continued in this country on the quick freezing of fish, particularly mackerel and herrings; and, if so, if he will state if any recent progress has been made.

So far as I am aware, no research work on the quick freezing of mackerel and herrings has been undertaken in this country. The progress of such work elsewhere in respect of herrings is being carefully followed by my Department.

The position with regard to the experiments being carried out by the Sea Fisheries Association on the quick freezing of certain other classes of fish (mainly shellfish) is much the same as it was when I replied to a question on the subject by the Deputy on the 26th September last.