§ Q7. Mr. Lubbockasked the Prime Minister what proposals he has received from the Council of Engineering Institutions about co-operation on progress towards a European Technological Community; and what reply he has made.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Council in a recent letter to me indicated its interest in the idea of a European Institute of Technology and its willingness to help in any way possible. In my reply, I welcomed its interest and support and invited it to let the Government have any views it might wish to express.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great fund of professional knowledge which could be of use to the Government in developing the idea of a European Technological Community? Would he agree that the roll-out of the Concorde this week—[An hon. Member: "Talk it out again."] Would be agree that the roll-out of the Concorde on Monday is an illustration 625 of what can be done in European cooperation? Would he further seek the advice of the C.E.I, on how to extend very greatly the number of projects which we are undertaking in co-operation with our friends in Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly recognise that engineers and technologists such as those represented in the Council will have a great deal to contribute when we get these ideas further developed. In the first instance, we should be working through the C.B.I, and other industrial organisations, but we shall make all the use we can of the help of the C.E.I.