HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1111-2
3. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the recruitment of engineering designers for the purpose of facilitating industrial design, the lack of whom is causing concern among industrialists.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

My noble Friend is concerned that industry should make the fullest use of first-class engineering designers, who should, in his opinion, be recruited directly into industry, rather than through D.S.I.R. Despite the great expansion which is being made in the provision for the teaching of engineering, he is not satisfied that the supply and training of engineering designers is yet adequate for national needs. Following a constructive discussion of the matter at the Engineering Advisory Council of the Board of Trade last month, he proposes to pursue it further with the bodies which are concerned with the training of engineers.

Mr. Dempsey

Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that this is causing serious concern to industrialists in my part of the country? Is he aware that one factory in my constituency has had to import every machine from Germany, because of our lack of industrial designers? Does not he realise that it is our duty and responsibility to compete, even with Germany, and that we should do our utmost to do so successfully and to see that engineering designers in Britain are able to stand firm in the face of modern competition?

Mr. Freeth

I appreciate the interest of the hon. Member in this vital need. I said in my Answer that my noble Friend was not satisfied with the present position. He and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade are in close touch and are trying to find ways to ameliorate the situation.

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