Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 December 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 2 December 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what decision has been made through EU Framework 6 (science funding) on the future of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme; what the position of the Government was; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Key:: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decision has been made through EU Framework 6 (science funding) on the future of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme; what the position of the Government was; and if she will make a statement. [82080] Ms Hewitt: The Government strongly supports the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme, an initiative that could provide vital information on subjects such as climate change and its prediction; impacts of global change and management strategies; sub-seabed biodiversity; desertification; natural disasters and coastal zone management. No formal decision has been taken by the European Commission on the work- programme for the thematic priority "Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems" under the Sixth Framework Programme (2002-06). However, the Government is encouraging the European Commission to ensure that the areas of activity envisaged for IODP would be eligible for funding under this thematic priority.

Secondary information