HC Deb 15 December 1969 vol 793 cc927-8
40. Mr. Clegg

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the annual amount spent by Her Majesty's Government on think tanks.

Mr. Shore

Government Departments devote some of their resources to fundamental thought on long term planning, research and organisational studies. I do not know whether this sort of activity comes within the hon. Member's definition of a "think tank". The main resource is staff time, and it would involve a disproportionate effort to attempt to cost this separately from the other work of the Departments concerned.

Mr. Clegg

Could the Minister tell me, in addition to that information, how much Government thinking is done in baths, as is done in the Post Office?

Mr. Shore

I wondered whether the hon. Gentleman had a serious point in mind. I gather that he had not. It is a little difficult to answer Questions which are as loosely defined as this one about think tanks. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to pursue the matter seriously, he will get a serious reply.

Mr. Marks

Would my right hon. Friend make a think tank available to the Leader of the Opposition to help him to explain away the trade figures?