§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to offer ships and aircraft as platforms for scientific instruments.
§ Mr. AitkenUnder the "Joining Forces for the Environment" initiative launched by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 1 July, Her Majesty's ships and aircraft could be made available as platforms for scientific instruments provided that the request for assistance has been endorsed by the Natural Environment Research Council, involves no additional costs to MOD and is compatible with operational training requirements.