§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what conclusions he has drawn from his recent meeting with leaders of ocean-based industries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineI am considering the very many valuable suggestions made at the conference on 3rd October. Where appropriate, I shall ask the Ship 435W and Marine Technology Requirements Board to consider how best to respond to the ideas that were put forward.
§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support his Department is giving to research and development work in ocean industries other than shipbuilding; and what percentage this is of total Government support for industrial research and development in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineThe Department of Trade and Industry is spending about £3.5 million on research and development relevant to ocean industries other than shipbuilding. This is approximately 1½ per cent. of total Government support for industrial research and development in Great Britain.