§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he will take to encourage international co-operation in the study of worldwide seismography.
Mr. JacksonThe United Kingdom participates extensively in international seismology, and hosts the International Seismological Centre. The Natural Environment Research Council is particularly involved through its British Geological Survey, which is one of the world's leading earthquake monitoring organisations. The NERC's collaborations include renewing a five year agreement to exchange seismologists and equipment with the Institute of the Physics of the Earth in Moscow; plans to sponsor a small group of earthquake engineers from Imperial college to work in Armenia; and an anticipated invitation to lead an earthquake prediction programme later this year with the European Community and the People's Republic of China. The NERC also sponsors United Kingdom university researchers in fundamental seismology, with substantial international connections. These varied efforts represent a significant level of encouragement for international co-operation in this field.