§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology how many engineers have resigned from the Hovercraft Development re- 44W search centre at Hythe during the past six months; how many such resignations have arisen from employment being sought in the United States of America; and to what extent the National Research Development Council is advised to encourage Hovercraft Development to match any salary offers from foreign companies seeking to develop hovercraft techniques.
§ Mr. BennEight engineers have resigned from the staff of Hovercraft Development Ltd.'s Technical Group at Hythe during this period. Of these, I understand that four have joined the hovercraft industry in this country and two will shortly be leaving to take up appointments in the U.S. Conditions of employment of the staff at Hythe are a matter for the Board of Hovercraft Development Ltd.