§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what programme he has to study the movement of sediment on the sea-bed near the entrance to harbours; and if he will make such knowledge available to owners of deep-draught ships and tankers.
§ Dr. David OwenAs well as a continuing programme of routine re-surveys of shallow waterways in unstable areas, we have in recent years instituted a number of special surveys to study in detail the movement of sea-bed sediment. Arising from these studies recommendations have been made and implemented to reduce siltation in several areas. Two major studies in this series have been published for the information of ship-owners and others. In addition, of 375W course, the information from these surveys is incorporated in charts and is discussed from time to time with the Chart Users Advisory Panel consisting of the marine superintendents of about forty major British shipping companies.