§ 99. Mr. Diamondasked the Minister of Works what changes there have been in the arrangements for the conduct of sociological and economic research in the building industry.
§ Mr. StokesExperience has shown that there would be advantages, including economies in staff and expenditure if, as 109W far as possible, one organisation was responsible for all Government-sponsored building research. Accordingly as from 1st April the conduct of sociological and economic research has been transferred from my Department to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which will thus assume responsibility for all Government-sponsored building research, with the exception of research lying in the field of the Medical Research Council.
My Department will continue to suggest priorities and further subjects for research in the light of the research needs of the industry and will encourage the adoption of research results by the industry. In this connection I shall continue to benefit from the advice of my Advisory Council on Building Research and Development, which consists of scientists and representatives of the building and civil engineering industries and associated professions, together with assessors appointed by the Government Departments concerned.