HC Deb 17 March 1959 vol 602 cc185-6
15. Mr. Willey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps are taken to coordinate the work being carried out at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food laboratory and similar work being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Mr. H. Nicholls

If the hon. Member is referring to the Research Establishment and Experimental Factory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Torry Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which occupy adjoining sites in Aberdeen, many personal contacts have been established between the staffs of the two stations. A local working party consisting of officers from the two stations meets whenever necessary to discuss work of mutual interest.

Mr. Willey

I do not know if the Parliamentary Secretary has understood me aright. Will he see that formal arrangements are made to ensure that this duplication is avoided, without streamlining unduly?

Mr. Nicholls

Yes, the working party to which I have referred is a formal arrangement. It is a co-ordinating committee.