HC Deb 05 July 1966 vol 731 cc233-4
21. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Technology what administrative arrangements he has made for dealing with research, development and production in the telecommunications field; and what proposals he has for improving telecommunications in this country.

Mr. Benn

Standing arrangements have been established between my Department and the Post Office and discussions are in progress with individual firms in the industry. In addition the Department's Technical Advisory Committee for Electronics can also consider basic aspects of research and development in this field.

As to the second part of the Question, primary responsibility for the telecommunications services rests with the Postmaster-General and I am in close touch with him regarding the future of telecommunications in this country.

Mr. Hastings

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there can be no long-term future for this country in the international telecommunications market unless we engage in an adequate national space programme? In this context, has he seen the Follett Report in 1964 which makes it abundantly clear that in this country we are capable of developing a Commonwealth satellite communications system? What is his view?

Mr. Benn

That is rather a different question although very important. One of the first questions which I raised with the industry in October, 1964, was the possible development of an export market in earth satellite tracking stations. I also attended both Commonwealth telecommunications conferences. But I think that these matters are now up to the Postmaster-General.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for his Ministry to give advice to the Post Office on a simpler problem—how to ensure that ordinary letters are delivered on time?

Mr. David Price

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree, particularly having had the experience of being Postmaster-General, that of all the responsibilities which his Department has this is probably the most important? Would he not agree that those countries which at any moment of history have been at the fore of communications technology have also as a result been those countries which economically and politically have been most successful?

Mr. Benn

I entirely share that view and that is why I am glad that last year, for the first time, in terms of external and internal telecommunications, we narrowed the gap with other countries and that this is the fastest growing science-based industry in the country.