§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for a replacement for H.M.S. "Protector", in view of the cancellation of H.M.S. "Terra Nova"; and if he is satisfied with British efforts in the field of oceanography in view of increasing United States and Russian emphasis in this field of scientific research.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe question of a replacement for H.M.S. "Protector" is being studied in the light of the defence review and of the future requirements of the British Antarctic Survey.
Our efforts in military oceanography are geared to our future needs. During the current financial year the Navy Department's expenditure on oceanography is £504,800. This is only £17,200 less than last year's figure, which included a contribution of £209,000 towards a Grant-in-Aid to the National Institute of Oceanography. Financial responsibility for the National Institute of Oceanography was transferred to the Natural Environment Research Council on 1st April last.