§ 50. Dr. Strossasked the Prime Minister what is the existing machinery that coordinates Britain's technological research, as between the Lord President of the Council, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Atomic Energy Authority, the Ministries of Education, Supply, Power, and the Admiralty, Treasury, and University Grants Committee.
§ The Prime MinisterAn immense complex of research, undertaken by Government Departments and Government-aided research organisations, is co-ordinated through the interaction of the councils, advisory committees and research boards which control or advise on research programmes and by extensive contacts between scientists and technologists working on related projects. In the civilian field Government scientific policy comes generally within the responsibilities of my noble Friend the Lord President of the Council, who is advised by the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence has similar responsibilities in the defence field.
§ Dr. StrossIs the Prime Minister satisfied that the existing machinery is sufficiently good? Has he noted that there has been some criticism in scientific circles suggesting that there is some doubt about it? Is it in the Prime Minister's mind that he may want to do something about this to see if it can be improved?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a very complicated matter. I think the work done reveals that admirable strides have been made in recent years. At all times we keep the matter under review, and if any improvement can be made, or if the hon. Gentleman can make any suggestion, I shall be happy to discuss it with him.