§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to increase the length of the multi-channel seismic recording systems on royal research ship Charles Darwin from two kilometres to four kilometres; and what is the cost estimate.
§ Mr. BrookeI have been asked to reply. I understand from the Natural Environment Research Council that in the present financial circumstances it sees no prospect of enhancing its multi-channel digital acquisition system by expanding the streamer from two kilometres to four kilometres. The cost would be about £400,000.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to allow deeper penetration by the airgun seismic source on royal research ship Charles Darwin.
§ Mr. BrookeI have been asked to reply. I understand that the Natural Environment Research Council sees no prospect of finance being available in the forseeable future for the purchase of new airgun sources, which would allow deeper penetration.