§ 24. Mr. Rossasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how much of the £18,832,100 provided in the 1963–64 Navy Estimates, Vote 4, Subhead B, for other expenditure on research and development, will be spent in Scotland; and whether this figure is likely to increase in the future.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingApproximately £3.1 million. No significant increase is expected in the future.
§ Mr. RossHow much was spent at the establishment to which the former torpedo experimental station at Greenock was transferred?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingIf the hon. Gentleman is referring to the work transferred to Portland, I cannot answer him without notice. In any case, I doubt if it would be wise to give an idea to our potential enemies of exactly how much we are spending in each of our research establishments.
§ 27. Mr. Millanasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how much of the £15,681,900 provided in the 1963–64 Navy Estimates for research and development contracts will be spent in Scotland; and how this figure compares with that for each of the last five years.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingIt is estimated that approximately £2.9 million, which will be about 18 per cent. of the total expenditure on research and development contracts in 1963–64, will be spent in Scotland. With one exception, this sum is higher than in any of the past five years.
Mr. MilanWhat special steps are taken by the hon. Gentleman's Department to attract this kind of contract to areas of high unemployment? Is a continuing effort made?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingAs the hon. Gentleman knows, if we have a massive contract—a repetitive contract—there are special provisions far directing a proportion, up to 25 per cent., to development districts, But, apart from that, in giving out tenders, we have to look after the taxpayers' interests and the need of the Navy for prompt delivery.