HC Deb 24 January 1967 vol 739 cc1239-41
6. Mr. Moonman

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give the terms of reference for the recently established Advisory Board on Relations with the Universities.

14. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Technology whether the Advisory Board on Relations with the Universities which he has set up, under the chairmanship of Dr. S. C. Curran, F.R.S., will make an annual report; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn

I will circulate the terms of reference in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The Board is still at an early stage of its work and I should like to consider the question of an annual report later.

Mr. Moonman

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Will he consider the possibility of relating two other aspects of this problem: the financing of research projects and the need for better communications between technological institutes, either now or later?

Mr. Benn

The terms of reference already include all matters which affect relations between the Ministry of Technology and the universities. The second point raised by my hon. Friend is one of the major jobs which the Ministry was set up to do.

Mr. Dalyell

Do the terms of reference include the problem of enabling those who are at present mostly engaged in military science research engaging in civil science research?

Mr. Benn

Not really, because that comes under a different heading. However, one of the purposes of transferring the Ministry of Aviation to my Department is to make this sort of thing more possible.

Mr. David Price

Would not the Minister agree that the most important single factor for promoting faster technological growth in relation to the universities is the need to get firms closer to the departments of universities? We have gone beyond the days of vice-chancellors and the C.B.I. having great conferences. Surely this work must be done on the ground, so to speak, with the two sides being brought together.

Mr. Benn

Certainly, and that is why 59 liaison officers are situated in our technical colleges and universities. We have it in mind that the universities should play a fuller part in the areas of the country in which they operate; and I am glad to hear that this idea carries the support of the hon. Gentleman.

Following is the information: Terms of reference of the Advisory Board on Relations with the Universities are: To consider and report upon proposals for the formation and development of Institutes of Advanced Technology and to keep under review collaboration between the Ministry of Technology and the universities and other higher educational establishments on projects designed to promote technological progress in industry.