HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1122-3
35. Mr. Willis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what proportion of Government-financed industrial research and development is at present being carried out in Scotland.

Mr. Freeth

In 1958–59, the latest period for which such figures are available, the total expenditure by Government on research and development carried out by private industry in the United Kingdom was £154 million of which about 90 per cent. was for defence. It is not possible to separate the proportion carried out in Scotland, as a number of firms operate on both sides of the border; but I estimate that about 5 per cent. of this expenditure relates to Scotland. As regards the D.S.I.R., for which my noble Friend is responsible, expenditure in Scotland in 1959–60 was £960,000, or 12 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on research establishments and in grant aid to co-operative industrial research associations.

Mr. Willis

Is not this Answer a revelation of the shocking state of private industry in Scotland in relation to science? What are the Government doing to try to encourage private industry to make much greater use of science and also to place more development orders in Scotland?

Mr. Freeth

With regard to making science more popular amongst Scottish industrialists, part of the trouble is undoubtedly due to the fact that the proportion of traditional industry in Scotland is very high. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, for which my noble Friend is responsible, is working very hard on this problem. It is one in which all hon. Members could help when talking to industrialists in their own constituencies.

Mr. Peart

Is not this state of affairs in Scotland really shocking, and is it not time that more money was spent on research for peaceful uses as applied to industry?

Mr. Freeth

I agree that private industry could spend to greater advantage a great deal more money upon research and development, but if one refers to Government expenditure it is, I think, noteworthy that the population of Scotland is 10 per cent. of the population of the United Kingdom whereas the D.I.S.R. expenditure in Scotland in the services to which I have referred is no less than 12 per cent. of its total expenditure.