§ 42. Mr. Moonmanasked the Minister of Technology what facilities his Department is able to offer to British companies in the public and private sectors wishing to pursue the aims of the recently signed technical agreements with Russia, Poland and Roumania.
§ Mr. BennMy Department would be glad to help trade associations and individual firms, arrange for joint approaches by industries, secure agreement of the Russian authorities to the exploration of new potential areas of collaboration. It will, if requested, support the efforts of private industry by the provision of experts from the Government establishments, as well as seeking the co-operation of one of the nationalised industries when this is sought. But speaking generally the main effort will be provided by industrial enterprises which see, flowing from these collaborative efforts with the Russians, advantages whether in technological gains or the export of goods and of know-how.
§ Mr. MoonmanI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that detailed reply. May I ask him whether he will consider making this information and possibly more detailed items, available to industry so that it has it for its convenience?
§ Mr. BennI shall make available any information which would be helpful; but the C.B.I.", which has played a leading and extremely helpful rôle, should make known to industry what opportunities exist. I hope that it will do so. as well as ourselves.