§ 18. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology whether, in view of the setting up of an advisory committee on science and technology under Sir Solly Zuckerman, he will make a statement about the future rôle and work of the Advisory Council on Technology.
§ Mr. BennThe setting up of the new Advisory Committee does not call for any change in the rôle and work of the Advisory Council on Technology.
§ Mr. OsbornCan the Minister say to what extent he will be able to determine policy and to what extent it has now been taken out of his hands?
§ Mr. BennAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made absolutely clear when he announced the new Committee, its rôle is a strategic one, covering the whole range of our national effort, whereas the Advisory Council on Technology brings into the Ministry of Technology some of the most distinguished industrialists and academics in the country who will advise me on the work that I do. There is no conflict whatever here.
§ Mr. HoggIn spite of the rather confusing announcement made by the Prime Minister on this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman draw his right hon. Friend's attention to the fact that the reception of this new Committee has been distinctly cool in the scientific Press?