§ 26. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has to co-operate with the director general of the National Economic Development Council to recruit British graduates now working in North America.
§ Mr. DellThe Ministry already maintains close contact with the National Economic Development Office in these matters.
§ Mr. BiffenSince a recent Parliamentary Answer revealed that, so far, Mr. Fred Catherwood had been unable to recruit one graduate to come back from North America to work for the National Economic Development Office, can the hon. Gentleman say whether, as a result of this co-operation, he has had from Mr. Catherwood any indication of why he considers that his mission was so singularly lacking in success?
§ Mr. DellThere is no evidence yet that Mr. Catherwood's mission has failed. Mr. Catherwood is responsible for his own missions to recruit his own staff in Northern America if he considers that the right thing to do. Certainly, if the National Economic Development Office would like to use the channel which we have recently set up through M.S.L., we would be delighted.