Hansard

British Antarctic Survey

Volume 963: debated on Tuesday 20 February 1979

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Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the earth sciences division of the British Antarctic Survey has completed a geological survey of the Antarctic, the mineral ore bodies that have been discovered and the reserves involved.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I have been asked to reply.The results of a preliminary reconnaissance geological survey of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) and Falkland Islands Dependencies (FID) were published in Antarctic Map Folio Series (American Geographical Society) Folio 12 (1970) Plates I & II. The results of subsequent more detailed surveys are at present being prepared for publication.No mineral ore bodies have yet been located in BAT or FID. Geophysical surveys including aeromagnetic and ground surveys are being directed towards the location of economically viable mineral ore bodies.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the major projects undertaken by the British Antarctic Survey in the past year and a summary of the achievements made to date.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I have been asked to reply.During 1978 the British Antarctic Survey undertook the following major projects:

  • 1. The offshore biological programme which is investigating the role of krill and other marine organisms in the Southern Ocean. Only one field season has been completed and this has established a base-line for further expeditions to cover all seasons of the year.
  • 2. Meteorological research, including the ozone layer. The results have been valuable for local forecasting and as a contribution to the global atmospheric research programme.
  • 3. Investigations of the magnetic properties of the earth's outer atmosphere for which the Antarctic provides unique opportunities. This is a contribution to the International Magnetospheric Study (IMS) with the following main projects carried out in the past year:
  • (a) HF Dopier experiment to study the the dynamics of the ionosphere.
  • (b) VLF goniometer experiment to study the dynamics of the magnetosphere by the deployment of a remote unmanned station.
  • (c) Rudibium vapour magnetometer programme to study magnetic pulsations.
  • 4. Investigation of climatic trends based on trace elements in snow samples, together with a study of the nature and concentration of chemical impurities or pollutants in ice.
  • 5. Investigation of the stability of the Antarctic ice-sheet and sea-level.
  • 6. Geological and geophysical surveys within the British Antarctic Territory and the Falkland Islands Dependencies.

    • The data obtained from the above is being worked up for interim publication as part of the longer term programmes.

    Further information is given in the survey's annual reports, copies of which are being placed in the Library.

    Mr. Skeet

    asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a breakdown of the expenditure of the British Antarctic Survey as noted in Appendix IX of the 1977–78 Natural Environment Research Council report.

    Mrs. Shirley Williams

    I have been asked to reply.The breakdown of this expenditure is as follows:

    £K
    General expenses:
    Salaries, wages etc.1,413
    Travel, subsistence, etc149
    Equipment, supplies, services1,086
    Rent, rates, maintenance, repairs1,122
    Capital expenditure:
    Land, buildings and ships150
    Plant, machinery and permanent equipment190