HL Deb 27 June 1972 vol 332 cc791-2
LORD IRONSIDE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is now the status and authority of the Marine Technology Requirements Board.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the appointment of a Chairman for this Requirements Board, which is likely to be known as the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board, its terms of reference and membership are under consideration. A further statement will be made as soon as possible.

LORD IRONSIDE

My Lords, as noble Lords know, I have an interest to declare in this matter; but arising out of my noble friend's reply, which I think is disappointing, I should like to raise two points. First, with the rapidly increasing interest in deep-water activities, would he not agree that it is now vital to press on with the establishment of this new Board? Secondly, would he say whether the Government are having any difficulties in securing industrial representation?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I agree with my noble friend's desire that there should be an early decision upon this matter. I can give him the assurance that this is likely to be so. I can also give him the assurance which he requires that industry will be well represented on the Board.

LORD WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that this dilution of the original Marine Technology Board in the way he has suggested is likely to cause considerable weakening of its effort and that this will be extremely disappointing to people throughout the country?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, the whole purpose of the Board is that it should be a strengthening of what went previously, and we hope that this will be so.

LORD WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, would not the noble Lord agree that the addition of something dilutes rather than strengthens?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, it depends upon the quality of the additive.

LORD WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, I was referring to water.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I was not.

LORD IRONSIDE

My Lords, would my noble friend say what form the industrial representation will take?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, this matter is under consideration, as I said in my original reply. I cannot go farther than that at the moment.

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