18. Mr. Wrigleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many industrial development units there are in universities in the United Kingdom at present; and where they are located.
§ Mr. OakesThere are 29 industrial development or liaison units in universities in the United Kingdom. Those in Wales are at the University Colleges of Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea. I am sending the hon. Gentleman a full list.
§ Mr. WigleyWill the Minister give an assurance that the Government see these units as a major tool in the development of industry and employment? For that reason, do they intend to make more finance available for the units to develop their work?
§ Mr. OakesI gladly recognise the importance that the Government attach to the units and the close links between 75 universities and all forms of industry. I hope that the progress which has been made over the past 10 years will continue.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonAs a policy towards jubilee year, will the hon. Gentleman consider providing a certain sum of money within the hard-pressed budget of the Department of Education and Science to finance a limited period of national youth service for all young people in this country? I hope the Minister will agree that such a service could be of great advantage to industry as well as to the young people concerned.