§ LORD SHINWELLMy 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 are aware that the Ministry of Technology in the previous Government had under consideration the provision of a science centre in the new town of Peterlee in County Durham; and what progress has been made in the matter.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)Yes, my Lords, the Government are aware that the last Government were interested in the proposal to establish a Science Centre in Peterlee. The Peterlee Development Corporation are actively promoting the new town's potential as a base for research and development. As regards the second part of the Question, the firm of I.B.M. (U.K.) Ltd., have set up a scientific and computer application centre, and a consultancy firm, Economic Models, Ltd., have started a project intended to lead to the establishment of an industrial data bank.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, I am grateful for the Answer from the noble Lord. Does he appreciate that the provision of the projected science centre in the town of Peterlee would make a vital contribution to the technological advance in the whole area of the North-East; and in the circumstances would he use his good offices to advise the Government to assist as regards the further 772 research which is required before it is possible to make further advance?
§ LORD SANDFORDYes, my Lords; I will gladly draw the attention of my right honourable friend to the points the noble Lord makes in that question. The Peterlee Development Corporation certainly hope that the town will attract science-based industries to provide a sound basis for growth in that area.
§ LORD WYNNE-JONESMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that this imaginative regional scheme is the logical development of the initiative, about seven years ago, of the noble and learned Lord who now sits on the Woolsack? And would Her Majesty's Government be prepared to warm the heart of the noble and learned Lord, who is also Visitor to the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by siting the proposed Transport Centre at the Science Centre at Peterlee?
§ LORD SANDFORDYes, my Lords, I was aware of that. The possibility that the noble Lord suggests is certainly one that can be borne in mind, but I cannot give any assurance about it.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, may I endorse wholeheartedly what my noble friend has said about the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack? He certainly took the initiative—
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, I am sorry, but noble Lords have interfered with the thread of my discourse. Is the noble Lord aware that the noble and learned Lord who sits on the Woolsack took the initiative in this and other matters concerning the North-East? But, having started it, why does he not help to finish it?