§ 15. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science to what extent a survey has been made of the results of the work of the Scottish Research Laboratories Mutual Assistance Scheme.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethIn the last year, the Scottish Research Laboratories Mutual Assistance Scheme has dealt with 230 inquiries: of these 85 came from industrial laboratories, 65 from universities and technical colleges, 63 from Government laboratories and there were 17 others. Over half these inquiries were given precise answers.
§ Mr. WillisIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a year ago we were told that the Government would try to make a survey of the final results of the work of this scheme? Could he say something about that?
§ Mr. FreethWe do not regard it as a scheme which has a once-for-all existence, but as something which will continue and be of immense value to industry. It is very important to remember that whatever the figure of the number of inquiries that go through D.S.I.R.'s headquarters in Edinburgh, many more inquiries are dealt with by people using the handbook and dealing direct with people who may have the facility they require.
§ Mr. WillisThe hon. Gentleman is missing my point. We were promised a year ago that a proper survey would be made in order to find out the effectiveness of this work. What, if anything, has been done about that?
§ Mr. FreethPerhaps the hon. Member would care to put down a detailed Question on that point. I do not myself recall making a promise of a published survey.