Admiralty Compass Observatory, Ditton Park

HC Deb 28 May 1957 vol 571 c194

13. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for War what services his Department receives from the Admiralty Compass Observatory, Ditton Park.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Julian Amery)

We receive no direct services, but I understand that the Ministry of Supply has some development work done by the Observatory on equipment intended for the use of the Army.

Mr. Brockway

Would not the Minister agree that the work which is done for the Ministry of Supply is of real value to his Department?

Mr. Amery

The hon. Gentleman will realise that he is asking about the activities of a second cousin once or twice removed. All development work for the Army is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, and the contribution made by the Compass Observatory is only a small part of the research upon and development of Army equipment.