§ 11. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if the international fleet of exploratory research vessels, including the £800,000 oceanographic research vessel built in Aberdeen, now exploring the southern oceans are equipped with the new type of 10-ton undersea research vehicles capable of reaching depths of 6,000 feet with a range of 20 miles and endurance of 24 hours; and what results have so far been achieved by this exploratory research expedition.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingNone of the ships taking part in the International Indian Ocean Expedition is so equipped and, so far as I am aware, no such vessel is yet in use.
The expedition is not yet in full operation and its research programme will not be completed until 1964.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the international character of this expedition, its unusual character and its great expense, will the Minister say what arrangements he has made for periodical reports to this House of the progress of the expedition?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingWe must, I think, await the full findings of the expedition. If, however, the House were sufficiently interested, perhaps, the hon. and learned Member would put down a Question in, say, six months' time, when I should be happy to answer it.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister bear in mind that this is an unusual expedition with regard both to its expense and its scientific character? Will he bear this in mind with a view to making periodical reports to this House?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingYes, I will bear it in mind. Even in the preliminary results, Her Majesty's survey ships have helped to define the Carlsberg Ridge and have obtained gravimetric observations in the area which are extremely important.