§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, what are his plans to explore scientifically the potentialities of Scottish lochs, with particular regard to Loch Ness.
§ Sir D. EcclesMy noble Friend has no plans relating specifically to the Scottish lochs. A number of lochs are, however, included in the Nature Reserves in which the Nature Conservancy study the flora and fauna. The Fisheries Research which is undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of Scotland, for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible, includes some examination of the fisheries potential of lochs. No special study of Loch Ness is contemplated.