§ 22. Mr. Lawsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what major conferences between representatives of the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research and grant-aided research organisations have been held since the conference of April, 1961; and what representation from Scotland there has been at those conferences.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThere have been no major conferences between representatives of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the grant-aided research associations since the conference in April, 1961.
§ Mr. LawsonIs not that a great pity? These conferences were high-lighted in the last Report of the Department and, from the information then given, seemed to be exceedingly valuable. Will the hon. Gentleman see to it that other conferences are held speedily—and that Scotland is adequately represented at them?
§ Mr. FreethAs to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, attendance at such conferences has in the past normally been restricted to chairmen and directors of research associations. That would cover the point about the particular persons who might attend. With regard to the first part, I do not think that one wants to have these conferences too often; there is a great deal of follow-up work to be done. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that an unofficial committee of directors of research associations meets about three times a year, whose morn-hers, if they feel it desirable, invite members of the headquarters staff of the D.S.I.R. to attend.
§ Mr. LawsonWould the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that it is two years since such a conference was held? As these conferences were considered in the Report to be of such value, something might have been done in the meantime.
§ Mr. FreethA great deal has.