§ 4. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a state- 94W ment on the progress by the end of May of discussions on the future of the Hydrographer's services.
§ Mr. DuffyI thank my hon. Friend for his continued interest in the Hydrographic Service. The 10 vessels which form the bulk of the existing fleet are required for defence surveys and will contrinue to be funded from the defence budget. Interdepartmental discussion contrinues on the future of the remaining three ships, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.