HC Deb 30 July 1963 vol 682 cc221-2
24. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he is satisfied with the development and supply of new types of scientific instrumentation in Britain; and what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking in this matter.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

Significant increases in both output and exports have been achieved but neither the industry nor I are satisfied with the rate at which new and advanced types of instruments are being developed. The Government stimulate developments in instrumentation through their own considerable purchases and their support of research.

Mr. Dalyell

Yes, but what are the N.R.D.C. and D.S.I.R. going to do about it?

Mr. Freeth

It is not for me to answer for N.RD.C. So far as D.S.I.R. is concerned, it makes grants to the Scientific Instrument Research Association, and, of course, it is very willing to receive appli- cations for development contracts from this industry as from others.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the right hon. Gentleman suggesting that there is no liaison with N.R.D.C?

Mr. Freeth

As I have told the House before, there is a regular committee composed of members of D.S.I.R. and N.R.D.C. who meet together regularly to make certain that no applications fall between the sphere of interests of the two bodies.