§ 3. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he will now take steps to empower the National Engineering Laboratory to place research and development contracts with industry.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary for Science (Mr. Denzil Freeth)The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has delegated to the National Engineering Laboratory the power to place small research and development contracts. Larger contracts in the Laboratory's field are placed by D.S.I.R. Headquarters and technically supervised by the Laboratory.
§ Mr. WillisIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Toothill Committee suggested that this would strengthen the Government's ability to participate in 946 research and development in the civil field? The Committee suggested also that it would help to promote industrial growth in Scotland. In view of these two very desirable objects, does not the hon. Gentleman think that he ought to consider this rather more seriously?
§ Mr. FreethGiving the National Engineering Laboratory the power to place, without reference to D.S.I.R. Headquarters, research contracts of up to £2,500 is a new departure made after the publication of the Toothill Report. I do not believe that if the National Engineering Laboratory were to be given greater power there would be greater flexibility. Glasgow and the D.S.I.R. in London work very closely together.
§ Mr. RankinDoes the hon. Gentleman remember that back in the middle of the winter he promised me that he would look very carefully into the recommendations of the Toothill Committee on these matters? Is he doing so? Can he tell us of any decisions he has reached?
§ Mr. FreethWithin the field covered by the Question I have referred to a decision to which we came.