GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND INDUSTRY (Hansard, 30 July 1963)

§ Q5. Sir J. Eden
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the proposed changes in the Ministry of Defence, he will now re-examine the relationship between Government Departments and British industry, with particular reference to authorisation of expenditure on long-term development projects; and which Minister is to be responsible for stimulating scientific and technological development in British industry.

§ The Prime Minister
Among the considerations relevant to the points raised by my hon. Friend will be the recommendations of the Committeee on the Organisation of Civil Science. I understand that the Committee hopes to complete its work in the autumn and I think that I must await its report.

§ Sir J. Eden
Following the very welcome proposals for the reorganisation of 231 defence, may I ask whether a similar investigation will be made on the civil and industrial side, particularly bearing in mind the importance to our economy of British industry maintaining its technological lead and of what one might call the twilight existence of science and technology between Government and industry? Would not this be a fruitful area for inquiry and further thought?

§ The Prime Minister
Yes. It is for that reason that we have set up this working party. I hope that when we get the report we shall be able to make good use of it.

§ Mr. P. Williams
Certain sections of industry feel that they are not properly represented in the Cabinet. Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of placing the Minister of Aviation in the Cabinet and making him responsible for science, technology and industry as well?

§ The Prime Minister
I think that these questions would be better asked when we have the report of this Committee, which has been specially appointed to do the job. I have seen the Report of the F.B.I. Working Party, which will be put before the Committee. I hope that in time we may have some useful results.

§ Mr. Manuel
Is there a blueprint for industrial scientific development over the next 10 years? We need a target and to know, at stated intervals, whether we are achieving it.

§ The Prime Minister
There are various questions involved but primarily it is one of the best organisation and methods and then of what should be the Government's part through financial support, other than the very large support which we already give. This is an attempt to see whether these activities could not be better co-ordinated and operated.