§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the existing and proposed programme of work on marine science development within the sphere of his Department.
§ Dr. Bray:Any new arrangements which may prove necessary for co-ordinating the existing and future work on marine science in my Department will be decided in the light of the Report of the Working Party on marine science and technology.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology when he expects to receive the report of the working party making an initial examination of areas of marine science and technology which are likely to be most economically profitable; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Bray:The Working Party's Report is expected early in 1968 and my right hon. Friend would prefer to see what it says before making a statement.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology if he will name the firms he has approached with a view to co-operating with them in matters of marine science research
§ Dr. Bray:More than 60 firms were invited to send representatives to the Conference on the Technology of the Sea and the Sea-bed, held at Harwell in April. 1967. The representatives are listed in the Proceedings, which are available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. I will deposit a copy of the proceedings in the Library of the House.
Since then, officials of the Ministry have had discussions with many of these firms and others who were not represented at the Conference.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what co-operation he has had with the firm of Weir Westgarth on marine science development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Bray:The firm of Weir Westgarth are co-operating with the Ministry and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in the field of marine science and technology, particularly in the programme of desalination. The firm makes 346W frequent use of the information and facilities available in the National Engineering Laboratory.