§ 30. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Overseas Development what study he is making of the potential benefit of the British marine science programme to food problems in developing countries.
§ Mr. OramThe Oceanography and Fisheries Committee of the Natural Environment Research Council has already considered the question of assistance to fisheries research and development in developing countries and the matter is to be considered again at its next meeting. Our Fisheries Adviser sits as an assessor on that Committee and the Ministry is therefore well placed to study the potential benefit of any British marine science programme to food production in developing countries.
§ Mr. DalyellAm I right in thinking that that was an extremely helpful Answer and that the Government are taking the matter seriously?
§ 31. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Overseas Development what are his proposals for an international marine science programme, with a view to promoting projects of desalination of sea-water and the increased production of fish protein concentrate in developing countries.
§ Mr. OramNone, Sir, but I shall be interested in any proposals that my hon. Friend may put forward.
§ Mr. DalyellAlthough I understand that basically the Ministry of Technology is responsible here, is my hon. Friend aware that the progress with desalination 734 techniques over the last two years has made possible from an economic point of view things which were not possible even two years ago, and will he look into the work that the Ministry of Technology and the Atomic Energy Authority are doing?
§ Mr. OramWe are in touch with the Ministry of Technology. In so far as the fortunes of developing countries are concerned, I recognise that progress is being made in this matter.
§ Sir B. CraddockWould the hon. Gentleman look at the very interesting article in The Times today on desalination, with particular reference to helping Israel and the Arab countries in this way?