§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) on what programme of work his research division is currently engaged;
(2) what are the number and structure of staff in his research division;
(3) what is the annual expenditure on his research division.
§ Mr. BoydenThe Directorate of Research and Information is one of the four Directorates in the Ministry's Directorate-General of Research and Development, the work of which was generally described in the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave on the 1st November, 1965, to the hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe.
The work of the Directorate of Research and Information includes advising on research policy and on specific projects, commissioning research work, a wide range of activities in connection with the dissemination of technical information, and investigation of problems connected with the maintenance of buildings and with the use of computers in the construction industry. It also deals with matters concerning training and education for the industry.
The Directorate is headed by a Director, who is a Deputy Chief Scientific Officer, and an Assistant Secretary, supported by 21 professional and scientific, 10 technical, 9 executive and 12 clerical staff.
186WThe direct cost of the Directorate for 1965–66 is about £165,000 and overheads are estimated at £42,000.