§ 44. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his official talks with Mr. Kirillin.
§ Mr. BennMy talks with Mr. Kirillin were directed towards the further development of technological relations between the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R. under the aegis of the Technological Agreement which we signed during his visit. I will forward details to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat is the scope for co-operation in the commercial vehicle industry?
§ Mr. BennOne of the subjects in which, if my memory serves me aright, the C.B.I. is taking a lead involves the motor industry. Obviously this is an area where both technological collaboration and, even more, future trading prospects are important.
§ 45. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on his talks with the Russians on co-operation in educational technology.
§ Mr. BennEducational technology, including programmed learning and teaching machines, is one of the areas which is to be explored under the Technological Agreement between the United Kingdom and the U.S.S.R. which was signed during Academician Kirillin's recent visit to London. In this, as in other similar areas, the first task is to identify with the Russians special aspects of mutual interest. I am, of course, in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.
§ Mr. DalyellCan my right hon. Friend say when the first phase is likely to be?
§ Mr. BennI took the opportunity, at Mr. Kirillin's suggestion, of seeing Mr. Elyutin, the Russian Minister of Education, when he was visiting this country. I discussed with him the possibility in general terms and he was extremely interested in it. There will now be an information paper prepared covering both the educational and the industrial sides of this matter. This will be transmitted to the Soviet Union and exchanged for a paper from them and we shall then see what working group should be set up.