§ 14. Mr Costainasked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many research projects into the problems of the construction and allied industries he has given to university departments.
§ Mr. PrenticeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 6th December, 1966.—[Vol. 737, c. 290.]
§ Mr. CostainDoes the Minister realise that while industry welcomes these inquiries, each of the universities is sending out separate questionnaires many of which are duplicated and many of the questions are considered not to concern increased productivity? Can he do something to cut down this waste of manpower by co-ordinating efforts?
§ Mr. PrenticeWe do co-ordinate efforts in the sense that my Ministry ensures that the various contracts for which it is responsible do not overlap. As to research contracts which involve filling in forms, I know that people find that a nuisance, but I hope they will co-operate. I am sure the House will agree that increasing co-operation will be of benefit to both sides, as it is in other industries.