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monitor the movements of Russian naval forces operating in the
Mediterranean, North Atlantic and waters around the United Kingdom.
Lightning and Phantom fighter aircraft, supported by in-flight
refuelling and airborne early warning aircraft, have continued
to intercept and shadow Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace
to the north and north west of the United Kingdom.
Border Policing
38. Sorties by Lightning fighter aircraft of RAF Germany and patrols
mounted by BAOR have continued to play a full part in the aerial
and ground policing of the border between the Federal Republic of
Germany and the German Democratic Republic.
Hydrography
39. The Royal Navy's survey vessels have continued their surveying
and charting operations, providing essential navigational information
both for defence purposes and for commercial shipping interests.
Agreements have been reached with the French and Dutch Hydrographers
over areas of surveying responsibilities to avoid duplication of
effort, In April 197 survey vessels of the Royal Navy began a
comprehensive and systematic geophysical survey of virtually the
whole of the United Kingdom continental shelf. The survey is being
carried out in close co-operation with the Institute of Geological
Sciences under the joint control of the Ministry of Defence and the
Department of Energy. This will provide the Government with informa-
tion necessary to ensure the effective exploitation of our sea-bed
resources. As a result of the Defence Review, the Royal Navy's
surveying needs will be reduced.
An interdepartmental
group, including representatives of outside interests, is now studying the civil requirement and ways in which this might be met, consistent
with the aims of the Defence Review.
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