Criticism from Britain

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 4

Criticism from Britain

NZPA staff correspondent London A British member of Parliament and a scientist have questioned the Footsteps of Scott expedition which ended in three men reaching the Pole but also the sinking of their support ship. American helicopters rescued 24 support party members from the ice after the ship Southern Quest was crushed by floes and sank. Mr Tom Torney, Labour

member of Parliament for Bradford South, said: “I understand that as much as £500,000 ($1.4 million) may be involved in this rescue operation and it would be outrageous that taxpayers, of whatever nationality, should be expected to foot this bill.” According to the Press Association, Mr Torney said: “I am all for the spirit of adventure and recognise that these explorers must be rescued, but people who do these things, especially

when there is no apparent scientific gain involved, should do them at their own expense.” Dr Richard Laws, director of the British Antarctic Survey, said he had mixed feelings about private expeditions. “The objectives don’t seem to me to be very great. It seems rather anachronistic. When people can fly to the South Pole there does not seem to be a great point in walking.”