§ 9. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will report on the reasons for the projected closure this year of the International Institute for the Management of Technology, which was set up in 1972 under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Institute was very slow in developing its programme and unsuccessful in attracting support for it from either industry or Governments. A full review in 1974 of its financial difficulties and possible role as a training organisation failed to produce proposals 1088 which all its sponsoring Governments could accept, and a decision was taken last year to close it at the end of its initial five-year trial period, unless a fresh basis for continuing was found.
§ Mr. MoonmanI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Will he make available a paper setting out the cost incurred by Government for the scheme and explaining some of the advantages of the Institute and details of the work done by it?
§ Mr. MulleyI am not sure that a White Paper is appropriate, but if my hon. Friend would like some additional information I shall naturally supply it, if possible. The fact is that a number of Governments are not willing for the Institute to continue. It has not, unfortunately, been as successful as hoped when it was set up, despite the excellent premises provided by the Italians. It is disappointing, but I think we have no alternative but to accept the majority view that the Institute should close at the end of the year.