§ 15. Mr. Albuasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science the total number of earmarked research grants so far placed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; and for what projects they have been placed.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethNone as yet, but the first will be offered shortly.
§ Mr. AlbuAm I not right in believing that the policy of earmarked grants was announced 15 months ago and that it is generally considered by many of the directors of research associations to be a valuable way of Government assistance, particularly in cases where the industry is not clearly defined or is particularly backward and does not itself encourage research? Has not the Department been extremely lax in not placing any contracts so far?
§ Mr. FreethNo, I do not think so. These projects are all very complex. They require detailed consideration. In many of the applications, they represent a substantial disbursement of the taxpayer's money. Dike the hon. Member, I am, naturally, disappointed that we have not been able to place contracts hitherto, but, as I have said in my Answer, I hope that the first will be offered shortly.