HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc681-2W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what payments have been made by his Department in 1977–78 for the services of the Hydrographer of the Royal Navy; and to what surveys these payments relate.

Dr. John A. Cunningham:

Payments of between £400,000 and £500,000 are expected to be made during the current financial year in respect of hydrographic surveys of a section of a route into the Sound of Rassay, north of Skye and of a route from the south-west into Sullom Voe.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate has been made of the needs of his Department for the services of the Hydrographer in 1978; and what estimate of cost has been made for these services.

Dr. John A. Cunningham:

The Department of Energy does not expect to require the services of the Hydrographer in 1978 and has no plans for a provision in the 1978–79 Estimates.