HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 c1024
10. Mr. L. Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is taking to improve the communication of new research results to smaller firms that have few or no scientific staff.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Department is helping active local organisations to build up regional technical information services based on Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle. The staffs of these centres put firms in touch with sources of information.

Mr. Thomas

I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. Can he say how these centres will approach local small firms so that they can take advantage of and receive benefit from the services which are now to be provided? Will he publish a full list of the localities and areas in which these centres are to be set up?

Mr. Nicholls

The contact is made by actual visits from the research centre and by the normal Press reports and brochures. I do not know whether in answer to a supplementary question I could have published the addresses of the centres which I have mentioned. If not, I will write to my hon. Friend and give details to him.

Mr. H. Hynd

When the Government provide the results of research to firms, sometimes after considerable expense to the public, will the hon. Gentleman consider making a reasonable charge?

Mr. Nicholls

Generally speaking, contributions are made from the industries concerned. Contributions also come from various organisations supporting those industries.