§ 31. Mr. Kershawasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what plans he has for the expansion of the Road Research Laboratory at Crowthorne, and for the co-ordination of its work with that of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary for Science (Mr. Denzil Freeth)The main object of moving the Road Research Laboratory to Crowthorne is to concentrate in one place units now scattered over six sites. Expansion of staff numbers will be continued as the resources of the D.S.I.R. permit. Discussions are now taking place through the O.E.C.D. on possible forms of international cooperation in road research.
§ Mr. KershawIs my hon. Friend aware that the Road Research Laboratory at Crowthorne is the most advanced institute for the study of road safety in Europe? Will he do all he can to reach an agreement with O.E.C.D. in order to ensure that co-operation between these two bodies is expedited?
§ Mr. FreethI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his tribute to the very good work done by the Laboratory, and I 21 can assure him that we are all very keen on getting international co-operation on road construction and road safety.