HC Deb 04 February 1960 vol 616 cc1210-1
26 and 27. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, (1) whether he will ask the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to undertake an inquiry into the printing-machine industry on the lines of that made into the machine-tool industry;

(2) what further consideration has been given by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to inquiries into the textile-machinery industry and shipbuilding industries on the lines of that made into the machine-tool industry.

Sir D. Eccles

The research needs of the printing machinery, textile machinery and shipbuilding industries are among those being considered for special study by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Mr. Albu

Is the Minister aware that in the opinion of many informed persons there are many sections of the mechanical engineering industries of this country which are still in the steam railway age? They do far too little scientific research and development and employ far too few scientific staff and qualified engineers. Does not the Minister think it time that the whole of this industry was looked at and that the Government took steps to deal with a situation which may become increasingly serious for us, particularly when the present boom in motor-car exports declines?

Sir D. Eccles

My noble Friend has in mind that such a situation may exist. That is why this procedure has been adopted.

Mr. G. Brown

If it is decided to look into the industry as suggested, along the lines of the inquiry into the machine-tool industry, will the Minister arrange for the report to be published and not hidden, as the report on the machine-tool industry has been hidden?

Sir D. Eccles

I think that the right hon. Gentleman will agree that we cannot have a satisfactory inquiry without the full co-operation of the firms concerned and that it is more likely that my noble Friend will get that co-operation if the inquiries are on a confidential basis.

Mr. G. Brown

In that case, what is the use of an inquiry, if nobody knows what it finds?

Sir D. Eccles

The report is afterwards discussed by the industry and steps are taken to remedy the defects.