§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy regarding the concentration of establishments dealing with marine science and oceanography.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI am advised by the Natural Environment Research Council—and accept their advice—that there is no case for concentrating their research establishments dealing with marine science and oceanography, which are located according to the areas best suited to the kind of research they undertake. The N.E.R.C. is satisfied with the present locations of the marine laboratories for which it is responsible but the matter is kept under continuous review.
§ Dr. David Owenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the machinery of consultation between his Department and other Departments concerned about the siting of all Government research establishments related to oceanography.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe main responsibility for co-ordinating scientific research in this field rests with the Natural Environment Research Council. Scientific and operational considerations affecting the siting of research establishments are assessed by the Council or its Committees on which interested Government Departments are represented by assessors. Research Councils are subject to normal planning and industrial development controls.