§ Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Technology whether, following the extension of the functions of his Department, there is to be any change in departmental sponsorship of the British Standards Institution.
§ Mr. CousinsYes. Over half the Institution's resources are employed on work in connection with the industries for which my Department now has sponsorship responsibility. This proportion has increased over recent years and will continue to do so, particularly with the change to the metric system. In the light of this and of my responsibility for 185W engineering standards my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I have agreed that sponsorship of the Institution and responsibility for the Government grant-in-aid should be transferred to my Department.
The Board of Trade will continue to deal direct with the B.S.I. on matters relating to industries for which they are the sponsoring Department, and on matters primarily affecting the consumer. Other Departments also will continue direct relationships on matters within their respective responsibilities.
The changes in the administrative arrangements take effect from today. The House will be asked to make provision for the grant-in-aid to the British Standards Institution for 1966/67 in the Ministry of Technology Estimate which will be submitted in due course.