§ 25. Mr. Ginsburgasked the Minister of Power what proportion of the National Coal Board's total outlay is devoted to research and development; and what general direction he has given to the Board to increase such outlay.
§ Mr. GeorgeIn 1961, about 0.6 per cent. of the Board's recent total expenditure. I do not consider a general direction would be appropriate.
§ Mr. GinsburgIs the Minister aware that this figure is ludicrously low and far lower than that obtaining in manufacturing industry? Will he have a look at the comparable figures for the chemical industry, where the proportion spent on scientific research represents 4.8 per cent. of the net output of the industry? What talks is he having with the Minister for Science on this important matter?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe proportion is lower than that for manufacturing industry generally, and that I readily admit, but a comparison of the expenditure on research between extractive and manufacturing industries is extremely difficult. The National Coal Board has increased is total expenditure on research from 20 £3.3 million in 1959 to £5 million in 1961, and it is very ready to increase it further if new possibilities of promise can be identified. My right hon. Friend is in consultation constantly with the Minister for Science on the question of research.