HC Deb 24 January 1978 vol 942 cc1170-1
20. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the exact date when the Hydrographic Strategic Review Body will next meet.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Robert C. Brown)

Whilst I cannot give the exact date, arrangements are being made for a meeting of the Hydrographic Strategic Review Body to be held shortly.

Mr. Hooley

Is my hon. Friend aware that this body is supposed to meet once a year and that it did not meet at all in 1977? Is he further aware that there is some doubt whether the Hydrographer is being given the ships and resources that he needs to carry out his important duties, especially in the light of the extension of our 200-mile exclusive zone?

Mr. Brown

I appreciate my hon. Friend's deep interest in this subject. That interest is reflected in my hon. Friend's intense questioning of my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy. I shall ensure that the matter that he has expressed is conveyed to my hon. Friend.

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