HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1513-5
7. Mr. Hornby

asked the First Secretary of State what plans he has for the establishment of a Social Science Research Council; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Government have decided to set up an independent Committee of Inquiry to look into the whole question of research in the social sciences. Lord Heyworth has agreed to become Chairman of this Committee and I expect to be able to announce its membership and terms of reference very soon.

Mr. Hornby

As this subject has been under discussion for quite a long time, is my right hon. Friend aware that his decision to appoint this Committee of Inquiry will be very welcome? Will he urge the Committee to come to its conclusions as speedily as possible?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. Certainly.

10. Mrs. Hart

asked the First Secretary of State what would be the estimated cost of setting up a Social Sciences Research Council; what discussions he has had with university social scientists on the need for such a council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

These are matters on which I shall wish to have the advice of Lord Heyworth's Committee.

Mrs. Hart

Why should it be necessary to have a Committee when we have a Minister for Science who, presumably, is perfectly competent to look into this matter? Why, in addition, should it be three years after this side of the House has asked for consideration to be given to this before even a Committee of Inquiry is set up?

Mr. Butler

I do not think that this is necessarily a matter for the Minister for Science. The social sciences are rather broader than his remit. and this is a matter for which I have been asked to take responsibility. In reply to the last part of the hon. Lady's supplementary question, this matter has been very seriously canvassed. Contact has been made with university social scientists on the need for such a council. We have in the end come to the conclusion that the setting up of this inquiry is the best way to do it.

Mr. Callaghan

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be profound disappointment, after all these years of agitation and research into this matter, at the fact that the Government should now have to take refuge in setting up yet another Committee of Inquiry? Why cannot the Government, with all the resources at their disposal, make up their own mind on a question like this? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the urgent need for this, that many more graduates are needed in this sphere and that while we have every confidence in Lord Heyworth, if it must go forward on this basis, will the right hon. Gentleman ask Lord Heyworth to give him early recommendations so that they can be implemented?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of the urgency of the matter, and I will certainly convey to Lord Heyworth what appear to be the wishes of the House.

Mr. Swingler

Was the First Secretary serious about what he said about the Minister for Science? Do we understand that he is only the Minister for exact science? Where do the Government draw the line about the responsibilities for science?

Mr. Butler

The Minister for Science had, I think, better answer that for himself. All I know is that, in regard to the social sciences, I have been asked to take the responsibility.