A fascinating visit to the Cambridge BAS- HOWARTH

11.58.28am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Aug 2008

David Howarth MP (right) and Professor Nick Owens

The Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, David Howarth, has paid a "fascinating" visit to the British Antarctic Survey.

David Howarth MP said: "The British Antarctic Survey is an important world wide research centre and from what I saw on my tour of the centre today its work is impressive and essential to the well being of the planet.

"It was a fascinating tour. The BAS is developing a world-class programme of science on important issues such as climate change, sea level rise, biological extremes, and eco system management.

"The BAS is also sustaining for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. The Antarctic Treaty, adopted in Washington in 1959, is fifty years old next year and 46 Countries are now signed up to it. It is an organisation we should take pride in and one which is important to the reputation of Cambridge throughout the world."

David Howarth MP met Professor Nick Owens, Director, Robert Culshaw, Deputy Director, Professor Alan Rodger, Head of Science Programmes.

He toured facilities the Ice Cores and Cold Room, the Aquarium, the mapping and Geographic Information, and the Paleoclimate Change facilities.