§ 12. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether a review has yet been made as to which Department should control the Road Research Laboratory, as recommended by the Select Committee on Estimates in its Fifth Report of Session 1957–58; and what action it is proposed to take.
§ Mr. H. NichollsAn inter-Departmental review of the control of the stations to which the Committee refers has been initiated. The question is still under consideration.
§ Mr. DaviesCan the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication when the review is likely to be terminated? Does he realise that there is a certain amount of uncertainty as to the future of the Department, the work of which is becoming of increasing importance in view of the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads and the added danger of road accidents?
§ Mr. NichollsI accept the hon. Member's point concerning the importance of the matter. I am sorry that I cannot give any indication how long the review will take, but it is under way.
§ 13. Mr. Ernest Daviesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what action has been taken on the recommendation of the Select Committee on Estimates, made in its Fifth Report of Session 1957–58, that tenders received from contractors for road work to be done to new specifications should be shown to the Road Research Laboratory, and that it should be informed of the results obtained.
§ Mr. H. NichollsArrangements to increase the already substantial collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Road Research Laboratory have been made along the lines of this recommendation.