§ 19. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he will issue a progress report on the work of the Slater Committee, stating what recommendations have been made, and whether the Government have reached any general conclusions about the establishment of a body to survey natural resources.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe Committee has not yet completed its study. I cannot anticipate its report.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate the importance of this Committee, especially in the contribution it can make to the underdeveloped countries? When will Sir William Slater be calling together the conference of scientists to discuss the whole matter so that we may as early as possible collate the information and send it to the countries concerned in 958 order to make a contribution to their development?
§ Mr. FreethThe Slater Committee is primarily concerned with research into natural resources in this country. I do not think that we should help it by trying to hurry it on, but I am told that there is every chance that it will complete its work by the autumn.