HC Deb 14 November 1949 vol 469 cc1677-8
47. Mr. Keeling

asked the Lord President of the Council what was the purpose of the recent official visit of the Director of the British Baking Industries Research Association to the United States of America.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The visit was arranged through the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Economic Co-operation Administration Technical Assistance Scheme. The purpose of the visit was the study of the scientific aspects of methods of production in the baking industry in the United States of America.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Lord President confirm that this was paid for out of Marshall Aid dollars and, if so, could not a better use have been found for them?

Mr. Morrison

This was partially paid for out of dollars provided by the Economic Co-operation Administration. The problem for me is whether I shall examine every one of these matters personally. This gentleman went for a private enterprise research association which is assisted by D.S.I.R. under an arrangement which I think is good. I could examine every case, but on the whole I would sooner leave it as a matter of co-operative decision between private enterprise and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.