§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Minister of State for Defence whether, in view of the increasing congestion in the shallow seas around the coast, he will provide the Hydrographer of the Navy with the necessary funds to undertake a comprehensive precision survey of the North Sea and the English Channel.
§ Mr. KirkThe Hydrographer is primarily concerned with surveying to meet the needs of the Royal Navy and defence resources do not provide for a comprehensive precision survey which goes beyond foreseeable naval requirements. However, as effort is available he is undertaking initial surveys of routes used by deep draught vessels in the North Sea and the English Channel.