HC Deb 21 July 1966 vol 732 cc855-6
20. Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent universities in the United Kingdom are assisting with industrial research.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

In many different directions and on an increasingly wide scale. The universities are aware that the Government greatly welcome this development, of which I am sending my hon. Friend further particulars.

Mr. Wallace

Would not my hon. Friend agree that in this field the new redbrick universities are playing an invaluable part?

Mr. Roberts

I certainly agree. Indeed, the newer and the older universities are taking an increasing part in research projects undertaken directly for industry, and at a regional level they are taking an important part in the deliberations of regional economic planning councils.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Would the hon. Gentleman recognise that the more work the universities do on industrial research the more important it becomes that there is an adequate relationship between the Ministry of Technology and his Department in this respect? Is he aware that there is a growing uneasiness that the present set-up is not right?

Mr. Roberts

That is not so. There are the happiest and most fruitful relationships between my right hon. Friend's Department and that of the Minister of Technology. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology and the research stations for which he is responsible place important industrial contracts with universities. In the last year, the value of such contracts has more than doubled.