HC Deb 05 December 1972 vol 847 cc405-6W
Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of the £2 million available to the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board has already been allocated to ongoing research and development activity.

Mr. Onslow

The expenditure already committed for this financial year in the areas of responsibility allocated to the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board at present totals about £2 million. The board will consider the future allocation of expenditure and the magnitude of expenditure in this field.

Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he chose to group ship and marine technology in one requirements board.

Mr. Onslow

These areas of the technological field share a wide range of common problems imposed by the marine environment. It would be difficult to treat these problems independently, because the shipbuilding industry is becoming increasingly involved in offshore engineering.

Mr. Laurance Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will name the persons who are to serve on the Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board.

Mr. Onslow

I would refer my hon. Friend to the public announcement concerning the membership of the board made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping on 4th December.