HC Deb 11 April 1961 vol 638 cc23-4
38. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps he intends to take to encourage Scottish firms to take advantage of the research facilities provided by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Science (Mr. Denzil Freeth)

The research facilities of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are made known to Scottish firms in a variety of ways—through the scientific and technical Press, by exhibitions and conferences, and through direct liaison by staff from D.S.I.R. stations located in Scotland and also in the South.

The Branch Office in Edinburgh keeps in close touch with firms already interested in research and development, through the Scottish Research Laboratories' Mutual Assistance Scheme. This office is constantly seeking to enlarge its contacts with Scottish firms and to direct their attention to research projects of specific interest.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the report in The Scotsman of 30th March last that one of the D.S.I.R. laboratories had invited 200 handpicked firms in Scotland to examine its facilities and that out of those 200 only 15 bothered to reply and only 11 took the trouble to go to see the facilities? In view of this quite deplorable circumstance, what action will the hon. Gentleman and his Department take to wake these firms up?

Mr. Freeth

I think the hon. Member will agree that one can issue invitations but one cannot compel people to accept them. He will remember the parable in the Bible to that effect.

Mr. Hamilton

But what is the hon. Gentleman prepared to do to further knowledge of the D.S.I.R. by Scottish firms and to emphasise the importance of using the facilities that, after all, they are paying for?

Mr. Freeth

My noble Friend and myself do our best and the staff of D.S.I.R. does its very best to bring all the facilities available to the attention of Scottish firms. The hon. Member can himself act by being a missionary in this respect.

Mr. Hoy

Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that the figures quoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. W. Hamilton) reflect no credit on those in Scotland who were invited? Might it not be a good thing if the hon. Gentleman and the Secretary of State had a meeting to discuss this problem, because these services are being neglected? Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that it might be that, arising out of some joint meeting between his Department and the Scottish Office, some plan might be formulated to produce the results which Scotland so badly requires?

Mr. Freeth

We are in close and continuing contact with the Offices of the Secretary of State as equally is the D.S.I.R. with ourselves.

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