HC Deb 28 May 1963 vol 678 cc1106-7
23. Mr. J. Robertson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how much was spent during 1961–62 in grants under the Department for Scientific and Industrial Research special assistance to industry scheme; and what part of those grants went to industries in Scotland.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

£59,675. All the grants were made to research associations, membership of which is open to Scottish firms.

Mr. Robertson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that many hon. Members believe that the Department is doing a very good job of work in administering the scheme? Would he agree that this is a good example of some of the advantages of public enterprise, and would he encourage the Department to extend its activities in this regard, with particular reference to Scotland?

Mr. Freeth

I am grateful to the hon. Member—and I know that the D.S.I.R. will be—for the kind words in the first part of his supplementary question. As for the second part, I think that Scottish members of research associations have benefited generally from the increased liaison activities that have been made possible.