HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1116-7
9. Mr. Bence

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how many scientists are employed, in Scotland, on all forms of research, in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; and what steps he is taking to increase the Department in Scotland.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The number of scientists employed in Scotland by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is 170. The present intention is to increase the staff in Scotland; the rate of expansion will depend on assessments of changing priorities, as well as on the resources available.

Mr. Bence

While thanking the hon. Gentleman—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—for that reply, may I ask if he is satisfied, on the Report on Scientific Manpower, that the expansion of scientific research in Scotland is being raised to the standard necessary to increase in Scotland that tremendous diversity of industry so desired by everyone? Will he speed up the expansion of scientific and technological research for Scotland to increase that diversity of industry?

Mr. Freeth

I assure the hon. Member that the D.S.I.R. is at present considering the recommendations of the Tooth ill Committee's Report which bear on this problem.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the hon. Gentleman ask his noble Friend to consider the Government's policy on diversification and reallocation of industry by the siting of research stations in Scotland as one of the essential features of stimulating growing areas, and taking industry from the crowded areas of the Midlands and London?

Mr. Freeth

I hope that the right hon. Member will acknowledge that D.S.I.R., in addition to its two main research laboratories in Scotland, also has the office of the Geological Survey and substations of other research stations—the Building Research Station, the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, the Radio Research Station, the Road Research Laboratory, the Warren Spring Laboratory and the Water Pollution Research Laboratory. It has certainly done a lot to increase laboratory representation in Scotland.