§ 14. Mr. Grantasked the Minister of Aviation whether he has accepted the recommendation of the Plowden Committee that the Government research establishments should be set a firm target for reducing their aeronautical activity.
§ Mr. MulleyIt is difficult to set a firm target owing to the constantly changing nature of defence and civil requirements, but I am examining what reductions are practicable and a start has been made on certain non-aeronautical work.
§ Mr. GrantMay I assume from that Reply that the Minister accepts the Plowden Committee's target to reduce aeronautical activity? If so, is he not aware that this will strike a blow at our technological advance, and very much depress 433 the morale of those on whom we greatly depend?
§ Mr. MulleyThis is part of the reason why we feel that it is not easy to set a firm target. Quite clearly, one has to review the amount of research in conjunction with the needs of the defence services and the amount of civil research required, and we have concentrated more on immediate economic projects rather than on some of the long-term research.
§ Mr. DalyellWill my right hon. Friend confirm that he has been active in promoting a drive for contact between the R.A.E. and industry?
§ Mr. MulleyWe are doing all that we can to promote further contacts, and one important development during the last year has been the linking up of two of our establishments with universities on an exchange basis.