§ 52. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in the continental shelf and comparatively shallow waters of the North Sea there are riches other than oil and gas awaiting exploration and exploitation; and if he will now create a National Committee for Oceanographic Research to advise on the scientific exploration and exploitation of those riches.
§ Mr. MacDermotThere are no known resources that are not being explored and no further new body is required. The Natural Environment Research Council to be set up under the Science and Technology Act will co-ordinate the work which is now being done on geological, oceanographic and fishery research.