HC Deb 28 May 1963 vol 678 c1104
20. Mr. Bennett

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science the value of Department for Scientific and Industrial Research development contracts placed at present with private industry; and what proportion of these contracts has been placed in Scotland.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

Three development contracts have so far been placed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research having a total value of £593,000; one of these, for £57,000, has been placed in Scotland.

Mr. Bennett

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with the proportion of contracts being placed with private industry in Scotland? If not, is he prepared to take such action as may lead to an increase in the number of contracts being placed?

Mr. Freeth

My noble Friend and I are not satisfied with the rate at which applications have been coming in. I hope that more will come in and that everything that can be done to publicise development contracts will be done, to the benefit of the nation, including Scotland. My noble Friend has recently been having discussions with industrialists over this very question.