§ 3. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure that the Natural Environment Research Council gives added emphasis to military oceanography, as stated in the Defence White Paper.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Anthony Crosland)The Natural Environment Research Council is not responsible for research in oceanography directed specifically to military purposes. This is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence, and the Defence White Paper refers to added emphasis being given to military oceanography by the Ministry of Defence. In the field of basic research, there will be a common interest and arrangements are therefore envisaged which will provide for representation of the Ministry on the appropriate Committees of the Research Council.
§ Mr. DigbyIs not the right hon. Gentleman now generally responsible for the National Institute of Oceanography and its work, and is it not self-evident that the reduced responsibility of the 675 Ministry of Defence for this Council will tend to mean that less work and money will be available for it at the very moment when it needs it most to keep its research ship busy? Will the right hon. Gentleman watch this matter and give definite directions to the Council in these matters of co-ordination?
§ Mr. CroslandIt is quite true that I am now responsible for the Institute, but special arrangements have been made for the Ministry of Defence and the Institute to maintain the close association which they have always had in the past. Sir Graham Sutton, the new Chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council, has already had talks with the Minister responsible and the chief scientist to the Navy. We are very conscious of the need to which the hon. Gentleman draws attention, and I will certainly keep it in mind.