HC Deb 27 July 1965 vol 717 cc47-8W
23. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Technology if he will describe the process by which he disseminates technological information to industry, showing how many different firms have been in touch with his Department in each industry.

Mr. Marsh

The Ministry of Technology communicates technological information by personal contact, scientific and technical publications, exhibitions, conferences, Press, film, radio and television, and is building up a network of regional offices and industrial liaison centres to supplement this effort. The Ministry's laboratories deal with about 2,500 inquiries each month, mainly from industry. It would not be practicable to prepare an analysis on the lines requested of the Department's industrial contacts.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology what action he has already taken to secure an adequate flow of technological information from overseas countries and what further steps he plans.

Mr. Cousins

We receive much information from the Scientific Counsellors in the foreign countries mainly concerned who are equally responsible for reporting on technological matters. Technological information from overseas is also collected and processed within their respective subjects by the various Ministry of Technology Research Stations and by the Research Associations. We are planning to build up our organisation for headquarters work in this field.