HC Deb 21 May 1957 vol 570 cc1019-20
25. Mr. Brockway

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what services the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research receives from the Admiralty Compass Observatory at Ditton Park.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research receives no scientific services from the Admiralty Compass Observatory.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I was not only referring to scientific services? Is it not the case that in Ditton Park, attached to the Admiralty Compass Observatory, a great deal of work is done for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research? Is it not a fact that the use of radar was discovered there?

Mr. Nicholls

It is the fact that the D. S. I. R. is situated in Ditton Park, but that is merely because the site was available and D. S. I. R. has a department there. It has no connection whatever with the Admiralty. I have no doubt that if at any time the Admiralty were to move, the D. S. I. R. would consider making its own arrangements to stay on that site.