§ 20. Commander Nobleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the objects of the Falkland Islands Dependencies survey; how much the survey has cost since it was resumed after the war; and how it is financed.
Mr. DugdaleThe purpose of the survey is to carry out scientific investigations and research into the economic potentialities of the area in which it operates and to maintain, by occupation and administration, His Majesty's title to sovereignty over the Dependencies. From 1st April, 1946, to 30th June, 1950, the total cost will have been some £550,000 of which only approximately £60,000 has been charged to United Kingdom funds. The survey is now financed entirely from the revenue of the Dependencies.
§ Commander NobleDoes that reply mean that there is little charge either on the taxpayer here or on the taxpayer of the Falkland Islands for this survey?
Mr. DugdaleYes, it does. Most of the cost is obtained from the profits of whaling and other industries.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCould the right hon. Gentleman suggest to those conducting the survey that they should extend their activities to Deception Island, where the same sort of thing is going on?