§ Mr. Jeffrey Archerasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of 557W the importance of hydrography for maritime trade, pollution avoidance and seabed resource exploitation, in the context of his expenditure review, he has considered any new methods of funding the naval Hydrographic Service to enable it to continue its rôle in support of the national economy; and, if so, what conclusions he has come it.
§ Mr. JuddAs my right hon. Friend announced on 21st March 1974—[Vol. 870, c.153–4]—it is our intention to complete the Defence Review later in the year. The Hydrographic Service, the importance of which, in support of the national economy, is fully recognised, is being examined as part of that review, but I cannot at this stage add to the information already given to the House.