Marine Technology (Hansard, 20 March 1972)

§ Mr. Corfield

By marine technology we mean those industrial and technical activities which are necessary to the commercial exploitation of the resources of the sea and the seabed other than fish; but not the scientific aspect, commonly understood to be included in the term "oceanography".

It is widely agreed that the United Kingdom's marine and maritime interests are both important and expanding. The exploitation of hydro-carbons in the North Sea is a very obvious example but there are many others. These developments present new opportunities for British technology in this field which are, in general, appreciated by industry but which for various reasons are difficult to exploit.

For these reasons the Government think it right to initiate and finance feasibility studies and other preliminary investigations in the closest co-operation with industry to help to identify where these opportunities may lie and what is needed.

Interdepartmental co-ordination in this field, wherever it is not already carried out through long established arrangements, lies in the hands of the Committee on Marine Technology. This committee has done a good job in the initial identification of commercial opportunities and as a direct result of its work the Department of Trade and Industry, on behalf of the committee, has been able, in the last two years, to put in hand about £1 million worth of work, half of the cost of which has been provided by industry and other customers. Nevertheless, it has become clear that the committee's work has been circumscribed by its terms of reference.

The Advisory Committee on Marine Technology will therefore be replaced by a Marine Technology Requirements Board which will identify customer requirements for research and development and help formulate relevant Government programmes. The Marine Technology Requirements Board will report in future to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and, as a result of these changes, have greater status and authority. Experts from industry, official and non-official bodies will serve on or be available to the board so that the best advice can be available on which to stimulate new initiatives by Government and industry in this field.