HC Deb 28 January 1964 vol 688 cc200-1
27. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science if he will consider the establishment of a central London scientific centre for visiting academics from overseas and from other parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hogg

I have, on more than one occasion, considered proposals of this kind. It is difficult to justify any large expenditure on the provision of special treatment for academic visitors as distinct from other visitors to London.

Mr. Carmichael

Would the Minister not agree that, with the increasing dependence we have on technology and science and the increasing transport backwards and forwards between other parts of the world and London and other parts of Britain and London, such a centre would be of tremendous value to academics, particularly in the scientific field, so that they could meet their colleagues from other places in London? Is he not aware that there is a tendency nowadays for people with much lower incomes to be in the scientific group and they do not have well-established clubs in which to meet their colleagues from abroad?

Mr. Hogg

I naturally appreciate the value of visiting scientists, but I think the House would also appreciate the value of visitors with other distinctions and qualifications.

Mr. Crossman

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that in many other capitals academics have their academies or buildings in which they can meet? It is difficult when they come here, because when our scientists go abroad they get hospitality in almost every capital of the world where such buildings exist.

Mr. Hogg

If the hon. Member is referring to accommodation at the Royal Society. I think that problem is on the way to being solved.