HC Deb 02 April 1957 vol 568 cc208-10
7. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what work is carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on a repayment basis for overseas countries.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Work is carried out on repayment for Commonwealth and colonial countries on conditions similar to those applying to anyone in the United Kingdom wanting a similar service. This work is mostly testing of materials or machines. In addition, long-term research for the Colonies is carried out at the Building Research Station, the Road Research Laboratory, and the Pest Infestation Laboratory; the cost of this is paid by the Colonial Office. A small amount of work is carried out for other overseas countries on repayment but only where it is likely to be of some commercial or public interest to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wilson

What is the criteria in the decision on what work shall be undertaken?

Mr. Nicholls

Work is undertaken for other overseas territories only when it is likely to be of some interest to the United Kingdom; when, for example, it can assist British exports or is desirable for public safety or public health.

8. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what degree of combining for research exists between agencies of the Department of Scientific Research and similar research bodies in the United States of America and Canada.

Mr. H. Nicholls

There is close and constant interchange of information between the D.S.I.R. and research bodies in U.S.A. and Canada, facilitated by the United Kingdom Scientific Mission in Washington. This exchange is by correspondence, exchange of reports, visits by senior staff, discussion at conferences and, on occasion, temporary exchange of scientists. In a few suitable instances joint research projects are arranged.

Mr. Wilson

How frequent are the interchanges and what kinds of topics have been found to be of joint interest?

Mr. Nicholls

So far there has been collaboration on the measurement of radio atmospheric noise, standardisation in radiology, standardisation of screw threads, and testing of the fire resistance of pre-stressed concrete beams. These are the matters that have been under discussion so far, but there are others which have not been continued because the conditions in various countries differ, and we have continued with the research and collaboration only where it is of particular interest to this country.

Mr. Ede

Have there been any difficulties about security in the course of the joint activities?

Mr. Nicholls

I think I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Osborne

Do we get as much as we give, and is there any restriction on what can be given to us in exchange for what we give?

Mr. Nicholls

I think that we have our fair share of any fruits that grow out of this collaboration.