§ 50. Mr. Keelingasked the Lord President of the Council what steps are being taken for the establishment of a biological service in accordance with his announcement on 29th April, 1948; and whether this service will be in charge of the conservation of flora and fauna throughout Great Britain, including the proposed nature reserves.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Preparations for the Biological Service are approaching completion, and I am glad to be able to 516 announce that Captain Cyril Diver, C.B.E., has been appointed to take charge of it with the consent of the authorities of this House and has taken up his duties today (1st November). The London office of the Service will be in Thorney House, Smith Square, S.W.1. The Service will be responsible for the conservation of fauna and flora throughout Great Britain including Nature Reserves.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that those of us who have benefited from Captain Diver's help to Committees upstairs, where he has served this House for nearly 30 years, will miss him very much, but they will be sure that his administrative ability, and also his learning as a naturalist, will be of great value to the country in his important new office.
§ Mr. MorrisonI am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman. The view he has indicated is shared by His Majesty's Government.