HC Deb 20 March 1963 vol 674 c370
16. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent senior members of the Foreign Office are seconded to universities and research institutions for the purpose of undertaking periods of research into the technical problems of disarmament and the creation of a world authority.

Mr. Godber

No senior members of the Foreign Office have been or are seconded to universities or research institutions for this purpose, but close informal contacts are maintained between these bodies and the Foreign Office departments concerned.

Mr. Thomson

But would it not be worth while from the point of view of both the Foreign Office and the universities to encourage serious research on these important subjects of disarmament and the creation of a world authority? I understand that this has been very fruitful as between the American State Department and the American universities. Will the hon. Gentleman look at it again?

Mr. Godber

We are perfectly willing to consider this. If there were a demand from universities, or any of these research institutes, we should be very glad to consider it seriously.

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