§ 2. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has met since its formation; where, and when, these meetings have taken place; at how many of these meetings Britain has been represented; and if he will make a statement on the work done at each meeting.
Mr. AmoryForty-three meetings have been held. The United Kingdom was represented at each. Thirty-one were held at Copenhagen, the seat of the Council, and the remainder at other European capitals. I am sending the hon. and learned Member a copy of an article on the Council's activities, and I will let him have a copy of any particular report that may interest him.
§ Mr. HughesI am very much obliged to the Minister for that answer. However, he said nothing about the future meetings. Does he realise that the design of this Council was to provide for continuity in the exploration of the sea for the purpose of providing not only food but industrial resources and developing industries? Will he consider it from that aspect?
Mr. AmoryI am grateful to the hon. and learned Member for the interest he is taking in this very important work. There certainly is continuity of work and, apart from the regular meetings of the Council, there are many meetings of committees and sub-committees composed of scientific experts.