§ 7. Mr. Albuasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, how many meetings have been held between the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Shipbuilding Conference to discuss the findings of the Department's report on shipbuilding and marine engineering; and whether he will make a statement on the outcome.
§ Sir D. EcclesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams) on 1st December. The decision to publish the report was taken at the seventh meeting between the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Shipbuilding Conference.
§ Mr. AlbuCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the report when published will not be an emasculated version? Can he say also what further steps and discussions are taking place with a view to improving the industry's facilities for research, particularly in marine engineering?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe report, when published, will be the only report. It will be the report that the meetings between the D.S.I.R. and the Shipbuilding Conference have agreed upon. On the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I will consult my noble Friend.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere never has been an original report. There has been only a draft which has been discussed.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the draft be published?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe completed report will come out, as is normal in these matters, after discussion of various drafts.