HC Deb 05 February 1968 vol 758 cc29-30
49. Mr. Wiley

asked the Minister of Technology what factors have caused the fall in the amount spent by his Department on research and development in the Northern Region from £2.6 million in 1963–64 to £1.8 million in 1965–66.

Mr. Fowler

Most of the Ministry's expenditure on research and development in the Northern Region relates to defence projects, and such expenditure was at an exceptionally high level in 1963–64; it is not, however, possible without disproportionate effort to identify particular items on which expenditure has subsequently fallen to a lower level.

Mr. Willey

I am obliged for that reply, but will my hon. Friend pay attention to the fact that this sort of research and development is of vital importance to development areas, as all American experience shows it is, and will he do his best to see whether he can steer this sort of development into development areas?

Mr. Fowler

It is the Ministry's policy wherever possible to channel its support to concerns in development areas including the Northern Region, but in the case of major defence research and development projects, which account for the majority of the expenditure, the special capabilities and facilities involved seriously restrict the choice of firms.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the fact that defence expenditure is being cut, which must, of course, cut research, could the hon. Gentleman say what we are going to have in the North to make up For any cuts which may be made in defence expenditure?

Mr. Fowler

Not all research is in the defence field. In the period referred to by my right hon. Friend in his Question, the Ministry's support, for example, for the Ship Research Association's activities in the Northern Region increased sevenfold.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Would the hon. Gentleman explain why, in view of the cuts in defence which have taken place, largely in the last 12 months, compared with two years ago, the amount spent on research is less than in the two years previously?

Mr. Fowler

Without notice of that question, no. It is a rather different question.