HC Deb 17 May 1961 vol 640 cc1349-50
9 and 10. Mr. Willis

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1) how many research and development contracts are at present being fulfilled in Scotland by private firms, research associations, and universities, respectively;

(2) what proportion of the estimated sum to be spent on research and development contracts by his Department during the current financial year will be spent in Scotland.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Thirty-nine naval research and development contracts have been placed with private firms and one with a university. In addition, two contracts have been placed with the National Engineering Laboratory at East Kilbride. The estimated sum to be spent on research and development contracts in Scotland is about 15 per cent. of the total naval expenditure for this kind of work.

Mr. Willis

Will the Civil Lord draw these figures to the attention of his colleagues in the Government and see whether they can do as well as the Admiralty does in respect of Scotland?