§ Q6. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that since April, 1965, the responsibility for oceanographic research has been divided amongst four Department; and whether he will now, in view of the national need, shortage of oceanographers and international competition, reconcentrate responsibility in the hands of one Minister.
§ The Prime MinisterI think the right hon. Gentleman misunderstands the changes in responsibility which took place in 1965, the effect of which was to produce a much higher degree of concentration of responsibility than had previously been the case. The present arrangement—with the Natural Environment Research Council responsible for the co-ordination of all civil research in the general field of oceanography, including that of the universities, but with the Agricultural and Defence Departments conducting their own research into problems of concern to them—is, I think, about right. If, however the right hon. Gentleman would care to make a case for a change in the arrangements, I would be very happy to consider it.
§ Mr. FraserSurely the right hon. Gentleman knows that Britain is now sixth in the oceanographic league? Is he aware that we used to be first? This subject really does need deep study. The right hon. Gentleman is prepared to plumb every other depth. Why not plumb this one?
§ The Prime MinisterIn contradistinction from the policy of the last Government, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a member, we now have a much greater concentration in a single Department of responsibility for this subject. The establishment of priorities between research was one of the purposes of setting up the new Scientific Advisory Committee. I said in the House at the time that the Committee had been set up to consider whether we were doing too little in oceanography and marine geology as compared with expenditure on other studies.
§ Mr. James JohnsonDoes my right hon. Friend accept the view that research is vital to the future of the deep sea 970 fishing industry? Is he further aware that we do not fish below 700 metres and that we do not even know what fish are below that depth?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of the importance of this kind of study. That is why I said that the matter of priorities in research should be the subject of advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. FraserI beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.