HC Deb 10 May 1966 vol 728 cc192-3
9. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to further the application of modern techniques in those industries for which he has not been given direct sponsorship.

Mr. Shore

The services already operating or being developed by the Ministry of Technology are intended to help a wide range of industry, regardless of whether or not the particular industry is sponsored by the Department. Forty-eight research associations, which together cover the greater part of manufacturing industry, receive grants from the Ministry.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Is the hon. Gentleman yet in a position to say what his Minister proposes to do about procurement, which was referred to in the Prime Minister's statement on 26th November, 1964, when he said that the Minister, in his general survey, would be considering the whole of the procurement system?

Mr. Shore

If I have understood that supplementary question aright, the hon. Member is referring to general Government procurement policy, and this is a matter that has been looked at through an inter-departmental committee.

16. Sir T. Brinton

asked the Minister of Technology if he will list the main industries in which the present organisation is ill-suited to apply the latest technologies, and to keep ahead of developments creating new products and new productive techniques.

Mr. Dell

No, Sir.

Sir T. Brinton

In view of the remarks on 25th April of the Parliamentary Secretary's right hon. and absent Friend, is the Parliamentary Secretary not prepared to give some instances?

Mr. Dell

I think we can say that during the life of this Ministry, in trying to bring up to date industrial technology in this country, we have continually come across the problem of structure in industry. For this reason my right hon. Friend has mentioned it and we have joined with the Department of Economic Affairs in establishing the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation.

Mr. David Price

Surely the Parliamentary Secretary can give us some examples?

Mr. Dell

There are many examples of this and undoubtedly my right hon. Friend and I will mention such examples when we consider it necessary. I mentioned one: example quite recently and it is the subject of a Question to be answered later today.