§ Mr. David Howellasked the Minister of Technology by how much he estimates that the annual budget of research 9 establishments for which he is responsible will be reduced as a result of changes in their organisation proposed in the recent Green Paper.
§ Dr. Ernest A. DaviesThe Green Paper proposes that the extent and nature of research undertaken in Government laboratories should be increasingly determined by industry itself. The total size of the establishments' budgets will reflect the programmes commissioned by Government and public bodies as well as by industry.
§ Mr. HowellWould not the best course for the Ministry of Technology be to face squarely the need for reduction and rationalisation in the civil research establishments rather than to wrap the whole matter up in this very controversial reorganisation proposed in the Green Paper? Incidentally, when will the Green Paper be debated?
§ Dr. DaviesTaking the last point first, this is under consideration by my right hon. Friend. He will welcome a debate on the Green Paper; indeed, he has asked for it both in this House and outside. On the main part of the supplementary question, this is essentially an organisational problem of how to bring the country's r. and d. resources into most effective use. The question of size is very much a secondary matter. The first requirement is an efficient organisation.