HC Deb 07 December 1965 vol 722 cc215-6
8. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made in the establishment of regional advisory offices.

Mr. Marsh

The establishment of Ministry of Technology regional offices is almost complete. New offices were opened during October at Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham. These join the former D.S.I.R. Branch Offices at Edinburgh, Cardiff and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which have been strengthened and given wider responsibilities. One further office for South East England and East Anglia will be opened early next year.

Mr. Hamilton

Does my hon. Friend recognise that this Answer will, in some measure, give the lie to the charge that his Ministry has been doing nothing? Perhaps he would spell out in greater detail than he has done hitherto the functions of his regional offices——

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must ask a Question.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my hon. Friend say what functions the offices have in respect of co-ordination with the universities and technical colleges? Would he consider the laying of a White Paper to spell out in greater detail what he has announced today?

Mr. Marsh

I will consider my hon. Friend's last point. The answer to his other question is that by the end of 1967 the Ministry will have set up a network of about 70 liaison centres, with the job of co-ordinating the activities of industry, education and the Government. The regional officers will be represented on the regional planning bodies.