RRS Frederick Russell

HC Deb 03 March 1988 vol 128 cc623-4W

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures he intends to take to compensate for the withdrawal of the RRS Frederick Russell from service.

Mr. Jackson

It is for the Natural Environment Research Council to decide its scientific priorities within the total funds at its disposal. I understand from the NERC that the loss of the RRS Frederick Russell will in part be compensated for by the use of the replacement vessel for the RRS John Biscoe when it is not engaged on Antarctic duties and in part by the use of other countries' research vessels through bilateral arrangements. The replacement for the RRS John Biscoe is expected to enter service in 1990.