§ THE EARL OF CRAVENMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are providing lectures on technical subjects in order to educate industry and transport in the needs for modern techniques which will cut prices, provide more trade and increase prosperity.]
751§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, the policy of Her Majesty's Government is to encourage and assist local education authorities and other bodies, such as the British Productivity Council, to carry out this work. The Council, which is assisted by Government grant, conducts and promotes various activities, including lectures and demonstrations, designed to spread interest in and knowledge of modern industrial techniques. So far as technical colleges are concerned, every effort is made to keep up to date courses at all levels for students working for their initial qualifications, in order to make them familiar with modern techniques. A wide variety of short courses is provided for scientists, technologists and senior executives of all kinds holding responsible posts in industry. As the expansion announced in the White Paper on Technical Education proceeds, a considerable increase in these courses is to be expected.
§ THE EARL OF CRAVENMy Lords, may I thank the noble Viscount for his replies?