HC Deb 30 November 1966 vol 737 cc431-2
13. Mr. Fortesque

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he has yet acted upon the recommendation of the Plowden Committee that the industrial membership of the Aeronautical Research Council should be strengthened and the Council's terms of reference and structure over-hauled.

Mr. Mulley

Yes, Sir. Industrial membership on the Aeronautical Research Council has been increased from 3 to 5, and the Council's terms of reference and structure will be reviewed in the light of discussions now under way between my Department and the S.B.A.C.

Mr. Fortesque

In view of the extremely shadowy nature of this Committee, the names of the members of which cannot be obtained by a Member of this House by any normal channel of communication, can the right hon. Gentleman expand a little on his Answer and say what representations the industrial members have, whether they are trade unionists, whether they are manufacturers, exactly who they are, and what they do?

Mr. Mulley

I think that it would go beyond the bounds of an answer to a question in terms of time to go through the list, but I shall consider sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of the terms of reference and the membership of the Committee. The industrialists on the committee are all representatives of important companies in this field.