§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Scottish Marine Biological Association in 1966 undertook, in conjunction with the Natural Environment Research Council, under Government authority, as an essential step towards fish farming, a sea survey for the first time to assess the primary production potential of the sea; and if he will now state the progress and results of that survey.
§ Mr. BuchanThe Scottish Marine Biological Association is planning a new type of oceanographic recorder to extend its study over many years of the abundance and distribution of plankton in the280W open sea and help in assessing the primary production potential of the sea. In coastal waters the Association has also collaborated recently with my Department's scientists in research to provide part of the basic information needed for the development of fish farming. Under the auspices of the White Fish Authority the Association is also collaborating with the University of Strathclyde in a survey of possible sites for further pilot schemes of fish farming and is now participating in survey cruises for this purpose. It is too early to say what the results will be.