§ 17. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology what steps he will now take following the International Exhibition in Brighton on Oceanology in February to promote mission orientated research and development projects to facilitate the production of wealth from the ocean and in particular the Continental Shelf.
§ Mr. FowlerThe inter-departmental Advisory Committee on Marine Technology has in hand a number of technical and economic studies into the most important aspects of ocean exploitation. These steps are essential to identify economically promising projects which merit substantial investment. Meanwhile, assessments are continuing of the requirements for off-shore platforms, heavy duty cranes, instruments and equipment 1138 for use in the sea and for fishing and fishing systems.
§ Mr. OsbornHow often does the Advisory Committee meet, and is it producing reports? Could not the ocean be a source of wealth, and is not the need now for developing the extraction of that wealth rather than for an academic exercise? Will the hon. Gentleman be more forthcoming?
§ Mr. FowlerThe Committee meets regularly, and work is going ahead at a considerable pace. I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not want us to invest excessive sums in hardware without knowing what will be the likely pay-off, but we are making rapid progress.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Select Committee on Science and Technology will, starting from this afternoon, be making a study into the activities of N.E.R.C. in this area, and may I express the hope that his Department will give every co-operation?
§ Mr. FowlerI give that assurance to the hon. Gentleman.