HC Deb 28 May 1963 vol 678 cc1096-8
10. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what action it is proposed to take in respect of paragraphs 6 to 14 of the report of the National Economic Development Council, "Conditions favourable to Faster Growth."

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The growing effort of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the field of industrial research, and the Government's expansion programme in the fields of technical and higher education are all directed to the objectives referred to by the Council. The matters discussed in paragraphs 11–13 are to be further considered by the Council itself.

Mr. Skeffington

In view of the highly significant section of the Report to which reference is made in the Question, does not the Parliamentary Secretary think that he ought to be a little more specific, or are we to take the paragraphs in the Report as so much window-dressing?

Mr. Freeth

No. These are very important paragraphs which we are certainly considering. They really demand an intensification of effort rather than the establishment of some new path. These matters are now being discussed. I am informed that the Council itself will discuss this section of the Report again.

Mr. Lubbock

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say something about the specific recommendation to extend the use of civil development contracts to industry?

Mr. Freeth

We are in favour of this and I hope that, following the hon. Member's Question, we will receive even more applications from industry for D.S.I.R. support in this field.

Dr. Bray

Will the Parliamentary Secretary read this part of the Report again, because it says specifically that Government and industry should work together, with the implication that they are not yet doing so in partnership in new fields of research? The Minister must be aware that the present effort to solve this immensely important problem is totally inadequate.

Mr. Freeth

I fully agree that Government and industry should be in partnership in the research fields. We are already in very close touch with industry through the research associations and also through the industrialists who give up their time to help on D.S.I.R. committees and on the Council.

Dr. Bray

On a point of order. In view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment.