HC Deb 23 March 1967 vol 743 cc345-6W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works, in view of the widespread doubts expressed in the technical Press, what is the purpose of the takeover of the Building Research Station by his Director General, Research and Development, which has proved unable to carry out basic research even after the expenditure of almost £5 million.

Mr. Prentice

The Trend Report on the Organisation of Civil Science recommended that consideration should be given to the transfer to the Ministry of Public Building and Works of responsibility for the Building Research Station. I cannot at present make any further statement.

The Directorate General of Research and Development was never intended to undertake basic research. Its valuable work for the construction industry was described in my replies to my hon. Friend on 30th January, 13th February and 13th March.—[Vol. 740, c. 1; Vol. 741, c. 40; Vol. 743, c. 24–25.]