HC Deb 28 May 1963 vol 678 cc1093-4
5. Mr. Boyden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, in view of the need for increased productivity in the building industry, what additional contributions his Department is making to the work of the Building Research Station.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

In 1964–65 the non-industrial staff of this station will be increased by approximately 6 per cent. in order to increase those activities which contribute most directly to greater productivity.

Mr. Boyden

In view of the major importance of the industry and the relatively low contribution from the industry itself to research, does the Parliamentary Secretary think this is adequate? Can he give an assurance that all the resources that are necessary will be devoted to cold weather research and that this particular difficulty will not hold up the building industry?

Mr. Freeth

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, money and manpower resources available for Government civil research are not unlimited and have to be divided amongst the various research stations, all of which are doing work of national importance. The hon. Gentleman will have seen the proposal made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works for the establishment of a building research and information association.

With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, if the hon. Gentleman cares to table a detailed Question to me I will willingly give him or send to him details of the research into insulation which has taken place at the Building Research Station.

Mr. Wainwright

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give greater consideration to research into the traditional type of building, especially for private houses and houses built by local authorities, so that the rate of building these houses can be speeded up?

Mr. Freeth

A considerable amount of research is going on at the Building Research Station. If any hon. Members would like to go there and see what is being done, I will gladly do my best to arrange visits.

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