§ Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation whether there have been any further associations between the Research and Development Establishments of his Department and universities, since the agreement between the Royal Radar Establishment and the University of Birmingham, announced last December.
§ Mr. MulleyYes. An agreement has just been concluded, broadly on the same lines as that between R.R.E. and Birming-268W ham University, between the University of Southampton and the Royal Aircraft Establishment. This agreement, which is for five years in the first instance, provides for collaboration between a number of departments in both organisations for joint research projects; for the part-time exchange of staff, who would not only engage in teaching but would also take some part in the formation of research policy; and for joint supervision of students working for higher degrees. Up to 10 senior staff on each side will be involved.
I welcome this association, which will enable each institution to obtain benefits, in the national interest, from the experience and expertise of the other. The agreement is not exclusive, and will, I hope, be followed by others, not only between R.A.E. itself and other universities, but between other establishments and universities also.