HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 c1116
2. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Minister of Technology if he will propose the introduction of a Government research and development project in the North-East.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. David Price)

The Department is supporting a number of research and development projects, both directly and through the N.R.D.C., in the North-East. My right hon. and learned Friend will naturally have regard to the special problems of the Northern Region and other development areas in considering any future projects.

Mr. Brown

Is the Minister aware that the North-East is the only region in the country without a directly sponsored R. and D. project, and would he not agree that it would be of great benefit to the North-East to establish such a venture?

Mr. Price

I do not think the hon. Member is quite right in his facts. What I think he means is that there is no research establishment coming under MinTech, but he will know—I shall be very happy to send him details—of projects being sponsored in the North-East by our Department.