HC Deb 30 July 1963 vol 682 cc219-20
18. Mr. Swingler

asked the Parliamentary for Science what form of liaison at present exists between the research councils employing geologists and pedologists and the surveyors and engineers responible for planning and building roads.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The Road Research Laboratory examines the specifications of all motorway and trunk road schemes costing over £1 million. Monthly liaison meetings are held between the Laboratory and the Ministry of Transport to discuss problems arising from road schemes. When appropriate, visits are paid to schemes in progress. If questions arise on which the advice of geologists and pedologists elsewhere in Government service would be valuable it can readily be obtained.

Mr. Swingler

Is the hon. Gentleman really satisfied about this? Has he made a study of the history of motorway construction up to now, the M.6 and the M.1 being cases in point? Is it not clear that there is too great a gulf between the scientific backroom boys and the techni- cians on the spot? Is there not a need for a better application of scientific brainpower, and will he investigate the whole matter and particularly the importance of ensuring a staff of geologists to be at the disposal of the Ministry of Transport?

Mr. Freeth

Any question about the staff of the Ministry of Transport is one for my right hon. Friend the Minister.

Mr. Swingler

But would the hon. Gentleman take it up with the Minister of Transport?

Mr. Freeth

My right hon. Friend could not be more keen on co-operating with the D.S.I.R. and other bodies for which my noble Friend is responsible.