HC Deb 08 June 1967 vol 747 cc241-2W
Mr. Lubbock

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Government will support the development of a European laboratory for molecular biology as a centre of a network of research endeavour.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The question of European co-operation in molecular biology, including the establishment of a European laboratory, is currently under discussion at a series of intergovernmental conferences convened by the Swiss Government. Meanwhile, it is regarded of first priority that molecular biology should become more firmly established in the normal fabric of learning and teaching in European countries. This national development is being assisted by exchange programmes such as that sponsored by the European Molecular Biology Organisation which, by assisting the mobility of scientists, helps to stimulate the development of the best national laboratories in this field.