§ Q1. Sir C. Taylorasked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for oceanology.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)Because of the diversity of the interests involved, it would be impracticable for a single Minister to take responsibility for the whole of this subject. But there is already close co-ordination between the Ministers concerned with the different aspects of oceanology.
§ Sir C. TaylorIn view of the importance of both the sea and the seabed, would it not be a good idea for one Minister to co-ordinate the importance of oil, minerals, food, building materials, metals, chemicals, fresh water supplies and 101 other things so that the whole aspect of production from the sea and the seabed can be co-ordinated?
§ The Prime MinisterThe list which my hon. Friend has given, which is by no means comprehensive, shows the difficulty of bringing all aspects of this matter under one Minister. The matter was examined by the previous Administration, and in their White Paper on Marine Science and Technology of April, 1969 they came to the conclusion that it was impracticable to have one Minister. The Select Committee on Science and Technology, which reported on this matter in July, 1969, also came to the same conclusion.
§ Mr. PardoeIs the Prime Minister aware that the return on capital invested in oceanology would be far higher than the return on capital invested in flights to the moon or in other space endeavours? Since other countries are not spending on oceanology anything like the amount they are spending on the moon—particularly America—would it not be better if we gave the lead and appointed one Minister and spent more money developing this subject?
§ The Prime MinisterI have given sufficient reasons for not appointing one Minister. I agree that we should attach considerable importance to work on oceanography. The Natural Environment Research Council's research programmes related to the subject are now costing about £6 million. The Ministry of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food's Fisheries Research Laboratory is also carrying out a wide range of studies on some of these matters, particularly on the conservation of fish and shellfish stocks. We are also helping in international organisations.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the White Paper and the Report of the Select Committee on Science and Technology, to which he referred, were not totally coincidental in their view? Some concern was expressed by the Select Committee, particularly on the development of marine 238 technology, and it felt that the White Paper was inadequate to meet the real needs of the nation.
§ The Prime MinisterI am prepared to consider that matter afresh, but I do not think that it affects the question of having one Minister to deal with all the different aspects of it. However, from the point of view of looking at marine technology, I will consult the Departments concerned.