§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the value to Great Britain of the $1 million payment from the United Kingdom to the United States drilling vessel " Glomar Explorer ".
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have been asked to reply.
The United Kingdom is one of several countries participating in the international phase of ocean drilling of the American deep sea drilling project, for which the vessel being used is the " Glomar Challenger ". As a result United Kingdom scientists gain access to the advanced technological facilities of the drillship, to the scientific planning and operations of the project and to recovered core material from the deep oceans. The cost of the United Kingdom contribution is divided between the Natural Environment Research Council, the Department of Energy and—up to 31 March 1980—the Department of Industry.
I am writing to the hon. Member.