§ 28. Mr. Urwinasked the Minister of Technology what was the gross annual amount expended in research and develop- 1070 ment in the Northern Region from 1962; what is the estimated amount for 1967; and what is the comparison with other regions.
§ Dr. BrayThe total amount spent by the Department in 1966–67 in research and development in the United Kingdom was £255 million of which £1.6 million was spent in the Northern Region. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of expenditure in previous years.
§ Mr. UrwinI thank my hon. Friend for that Reply, but does not this heavily emphasise the necessity to do much more in research and development in the Northern Region? Will he undertake to treat this matter with a greater degree of urgency than hitherto?
§ Dr. BrayYes, it does indicate the need for increased expenditure on research and development in the Northern Region. This is a matter of concern, and the Department is examining ways in which this end can be achieved.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopCould my hon. Friend give an assurance that a special effort will be made to link up work with universities and individual firms to see that the most practical results can be obtained?
§ Dr. BrayYes, I am personally taking part in discussions to that end, and also with the polytechnics and International Research and Development in Newcastle.
§ Following are the details:
§ The amount spent by the Department in research and development in the Northern Region, and in the rest of the U.K., during the years 1962–63 to 1965–66 has been as follows:—
| In the Northern Region | In the rest of the United Kingdom | |
| £m. | £m. | |
| 1962–63 | 1.0 | 240 |
| 1963–64 | 2.6 | 229 |
| 1964–65 | 2.2 | 234 |
| 1965–66 | 1.8 | 253 |