HC Deb 07 December 1965 vol 722 c215
7. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to ensure the widest possible dissemination of information from Government-sponsored or Government-supported research establishments and associations.

Mr. Cousins

I have established a strong regional organisation one of whose main tasks is to promote the more vigorous application by industry of new scientific and technical knowledge resulting from research financed or sponsored by the Government. Information on the very wide variety of means used to inform industry of their work is contained in the Annual Reports of my Department's Research Stations and of the Research Associations, which are available in the Library of the House.

Mr. Walker

Would my right hon Friend ensure that the research associations, such as the Production Engineering Research Association, do not limit the supply of their information to those firms which can afford to make a financial contribution to their organisation, as in this way those firms which are most in need of the information would be prevented from getting it?

Mr. Cousins

This is a valid point, and we are particularly examining it and the method by which we shall disseminate information through our establishments.