HC Deb 01 February 1955 vol 536 cc83-4W
62. Mr. Willey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps have been taken to carry out surveys of resources, facilities and programmes of the research associations in relation to the scientific technological and economic needs of their industries.

Mr. Bevins

Special surveys covering three research associations—leather, cast iron, and ceramics—were carried out, as an experiment, in 1950–51. Details of the surveys, which were of considerable value, were given in the Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for 1951–52. A survey of the British Scientific Instrument Research Association's work has just been started.

63. Mr. Willey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what grants for capital expenditure have been made to research associations in each of the past five years, and subject to what conditions these grants have been made.

Mr. Bevins

In the financial year 1950–51 payments of £271,000 were made; in 1951–52 £53,000; in 1952–53 £17,000; in 1953–54 £2,000. It is not expected to make any capital payments in this financial year. Industries are asked to undertake to raise special contributions over and above their normal revenue contributions to the research associations and the estimates of the total cost have to be submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for approval.