HC Deb 19 November 1963 vol 684 cc779-80
6. Mr. Swingler

asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury if an increase will now be made in the staff of geologists and pedologists in the Road Research Laboratory and at the disposal of Departments which need their expert advice.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir. I am advised that the number of geologists and experts in soil mechanics employed at the Road Research Laboratory is adequate to deal with the problems which arise. The advice of the Laboratory is readily available to those Departments which need it.

Mr. Swingler

In view of the experience, sometimes costly experience, gained by the Government in the construction of the M.1 and M.6 motorways, and in view of the recent statement of the Minister of Transport himself about the need for more research in the construction of roads, does the Chief Secretary really suggest that the present very small and, I believe, overworked staff at the Road Research Laboratory is adequate to undertake this fundamental research?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That question, of course, goes well beyond the original Question about the sizeof the technically qualified staff at the Road Research Laboratory. I am satisfied that that staff is adequate and available to the Departments which desire to use it.

Mr. Swingler

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Transport was referring to the need for fundamental research, which implies geological surveys and the advice of more soil experts on the construction of motorways? Will he pay special attention to this point?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have some past experience of precisely that matter and fully share, therefore, the hon. Gentle- man's view of the importance of getting the best technical advice generally on the construction of motorways in relation to the land over which they pass. But that does not alter the point which arises on the Question, that, so far as the Road Research Laboratory is concerned, we are satisfied that it is adequately and properly staffed, and, if I may add a word from past personal experience, renders extremely good service to this country.