HC Deb 04 December 1962 vol 668 cc1113-4
5. Mr. Bence

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science to what extent his Department is co-operating with the National Foundation for Educational Research in promoting scientific training.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

Research in education is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. The Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, and its Committee on Scientific Manpower, have under regular review general issues concerning the training and education of scientific and technological manpower, and my noble Friend is in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education on these matters.

Mr. Bence

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, according to the 1960–61 Report, the grant to this Foundation was advanced from £3,000 to £7,000? Does he consider that, in the sphere of educational research, this is a reasonable contribution to such a body, when scientific and technological education is so important in this age?

Mr. Freeth

That grant was given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, and the hon. Member must question my right hon. Friend about it.

Mr. Boyden

Would it not be sensible for the hon. Gentleman's Department to have consultation with the National Foundation apropos some of the problems, so that the research organisation can consider what is in his Department's mind?

Mr. Freeth

My noble Friend and my right hon. Friend keep in close and continuing consultation in this and kindred matters.