§ 6. Mr. Willeyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the 1051 Council, what research projects are being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in cooperation with the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe D.S.I.R. is in direct collaboration with the European Productivity Agency of the O.E.E.C. on five projects connected with aspects of building practice and in the preparation of material for conferences on automation and adaptation of the job to the worker. In addition, the Department is collaborating with seven other countries in a research project on the preparation of fresh water from salt water.
§ Mr. WilleyAgain, whilst appreciating the steps that have been taken, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will encourage this form of co-operation, which is one of the most effective forms of European co-operation?
§ Mr. NichollsThere again my noble Friend is at one with the hon. Gentleman. In addition to the Answer which I have given, which is the reply to the specific Question, there are many other projects with which we are associated, but which were initiated by O.E.E.C., that have the same result.
§ Mr. PartridgeMy hon. Friend mentioned five projects connected with building. Would he be good enough to indicate what these cover?
§ Mr. NichollsI can do that. No. 1 is modular co-ordination; No. 2, prefabrication in house building; No. 3, methods of organisation on building sites; No. 4, mechanisation of certain building operations; No. 5, production and distribution of concrete on building sites. I should require notice of any supplementary questions arising under those heads.