HC Deb 16 July 1969 vol 787 cc137-8W
Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Technology what assistance his Department gives in the technology of mineral and geological surveys.

Mr. Fowler

Mineral and geological surveys are the responsibility of the Institute of Geological Scinces, a component body of the N.E.R.C., the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. The U.K.A.E.A. have been able to offer them some assistance in the development of prospecting techniques and instruments, and the Laboratory of the Government Chemist also assists the Institute by providing an analytical service for geological specimens. At the request of the Committee on Marine Technology, U.K.A.E. are also making a study of possible equipment for mineral prospecting on the sea bed.