§ 2.55 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now considered the views expressed by the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy as to the need to overhaul the present organisation for dealing with civil science.]
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND MINISTER FOR SCIENCE (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have decided to review the existing organisation for the promotion of civil science by Government agencies. This review, which will be concerned mainly with issues of administrative organisation and the machinery of government, will take full account of the views expressed by the Advisory Council; and advice will also be sought from scientists both inside and outside the public service.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEMy Lords, in view of the importance of this subject 1158 to the engineering industry, can my noble friend say whether it is the intention also to consult representatives from industry also?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, this is primarily an internal review of Government machinery, but I will certainly make inquiries about my noble friend's point.
§ VISCOUNT CALDECOTEI thank my noble friend.