HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 c1493
10. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the arrangement which has been concluded with economic co-operation administration to send 50 British scientists and technologists to the United States of America to graduate study in leading technical schools and to On-the-job training in factories to learn American production methods; and if he will give the proportion of scientists and technologists which this British delegation comprises.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the notice which has been circulated to all concerned. Some 200 applications have been received and eight successful applicants have already gone to the United States. The selection of the remainder to the number of about 40 is proceeding, and it is hoped that they will leave next January. It is not possible to classify the successful applicants rigidly as either scientists or technologists.

Sir P. Hannon

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to promote this development of interchange between United States technicians and ours by every means possible?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, certainly. The circular which I am sending to the hon. Gentleman indicates that.