HC Deb 15 June 1965 vol 714 cc227-8
13. Mr. Newens

asked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to discourage the duplication of research in industry and the use of skilled research workers to tackle similar problems in different enterprises.

Mr. Marsh

I agree about the need to discourage undue duplication of research in industry. A number of the measures being taken by my Department contribute to this end. They include the dissemination of the results of researches undertaken directly by my Department, the encouragement of industrial research associations, and of other forms of co-operative research.

Mr. Newens

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind the fact that the creation of a modern economy in this country requires the planning of research, and will he keep this matter constantly under review in order that we may go ahead as quickly as possible in refurnishing our present industry?

Mr. Marsh

I would certainly accept that. Harking back to the previous question, one of the jobs of the Committee on Manpower Resources for Science and Technology will be to make a much more critical survey than hitherto of the use of qualified manpower. It would be unwise to think it is either possible to prevent duplication in research or that it is desirable to stop such duplication.

Mr. Marten

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that competitive research on any one subject may be highly desirable?

Mr. Marsh

As my hon. Friend mentioned, what we need is some degree of planning, and a degree of duplication takes place because it is accepted that it is desirable and in the national good. One of the problems in the past has been that nobody knew what was happening.