§ 24. Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who will represent this country on the Science Committee to be set up under paragraph 28 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Communiqué of 19th December; when and how this House will learn of the reappraisal of support being given to scientific and technical education and to fundamental research, promised in the same Communiqué and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Government have nominated Sir Solly Zuckerman. Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy and a scientific adviser to the Lord President of the Council, to be the United Kingdom representative on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Science Committee.
With regard to the second part of the Question, Her Majesty's Government have already made considerable progress in this process of reappraisal, as hon. Members will know from various reports that have been produced over the past two years. In the light of studies already made, the Government are aiming to double the output of scientists and engineers by 1970 as compared with 1954–55.
§ Sir J. HutchisonWhile what is being done by the present Government is appreciated, may I ask what sort of organisation there is to satisfy ourselves and N.A.T.O. that other member Governments of N.A.T.O. are doing something comparable or equivalent to what we are doing in the matter of support to scientific and fundamental research?
§ Mr. HarveyI think this Committee will help in that way, but if my hon. Friend has any suggestion in mind I shall be glad to discuss it with him further.