28. Mr. Pearl askedthe Minister of Power what representations he has made to encourage improved studies in coal technology at universities and colleges of advanced technology.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Wood)I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 20th February to the hon. Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart).
§ Mr. PeartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the annual report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy states:
We have invited the Ministry and the University Grants Committee to consider ways of strengthening studies in coal technology at universities or Colleges of Advanced Technology.Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Council agreed that this matter was urgent and suggested that representations should be made to colleges and universities which are situated near coalmining centres? Is anything being done?
§ Mr. WoodAs the hon. Member knows, a great deal of research is already being supported by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the University Grants Committee and so on. There is, therefore, quite a lot of exploration to be done to see in what directions and by what means these efforts can be best supplemented.
§ Mr. PeartIs the right hon. Gentleman considering making representations directly to the colleges of advanced technology and universities concerned?
§ Mr. WoodMy scientific adviser has been discussing this matter with university departments and I hope that it will be possible to increase efforts in this direction.