HC Deb 19 March 1963 vol 674 cc189-90
11. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he is satisfied with the present method of determining the levels of grant made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to research associations; and if he will make it more flexible.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The grant to each association is fixed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research after discussion with its representatives, and in the light of all relevant circumstances. This method provides flexibility. My noble Friend and the Research Council are always ready to consider suggestions for improvement, and he has asked the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to request the Industrial Grants Committee to keep the matter under review.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

I thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. Would he also consider whether or not his noble Friend should have a more direct approach to research associations to see if they have a point of view which would not always get through to him via the D.S.I.R.?

Mr. Freeth

I have not noticed any inhibitions on the part either of individual directors of research associations or the chairman of the committee of directors of research associations to approach either my noble Friend or myself when they have thought it useful.

Mr. Albu

Is not the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many research associations are very dissatisfied with the level of grant which they receive from the D.S.I.R., particularly when they are concerned with defence or development research projects which cover a number of industries and which are, therefore, more difficult to finance than those that concern a single industry?

Mr. Freeth

I am not saying that the amount of money which goes to the research associations from the taxpayer's pocket is necessarily too large, or even at its optimum level. We have just instituted a new grant in order to stop up a lacuna which we felt existed. We must remember, however, that research associations exist for the benefit of their industrial members and their usefulness can be gauged to some extent by the level of contributions which their industrial members are willing to make.

12. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what ear-marked grants have been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to research associations; and how many applications are awaiting decisions.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

No grants have yet been made, but eight firm applications are now being considered.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

May I ask for an assurance that we shall not have to wait for the final Report of the Trend Committee before we can have a statement on this matter?

Mr. Freeth

No indeed.