§ 2. Mr. Albuasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take on the proposal made by the Study Group of scientists of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for an international institute of science and technology.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethHer Majesty's Government are awaiting the report of a small working group of eminent scientists, including a British representative, which has been set up by the North Atlantic Council to give this proposal the further consideration which the Study Group recommended.
§ Mr. AlbuWhile welcoming the hon. Gentleman's appointment, may I ask him whether he would not agree that, while we must do nothing to stop the process of catching up in our backwardness in technological education, to which the Minister of Education recently referred, there is a case for a European institute of technology and science for the more advanced types of scientific research and teaching?
§ Mr. FreethI am grateful also to the hon. Member for his kind words. I think it is important to remember that the Report of the Armand Committee set up by the N.A.T.O. Council stated that:
the establishment of an International Institute of Science and Technology merits further study by an appropriately chosen group.This Group has now been chosen and is proceeding with this study.