HC Deb 06 March 1969 vol 779 cc171-2W
Mr. David Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the cut of over £30 million which will be made in the defence research and development programme for 1970–71, referred to in paragraph 13 of Chapter V, of The Task Ahead, is to be borne by defence research establishments, and what proportion by research contracts to private industry.

Mr. John Morris

About 20 per cent. will be borne by defence research establishments, about 80 per cent. on extramural effort.

Mr. David Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the number of qualified engineers, scientists and technicians that he estimates will be freed as a result of the cut of over £30 million which will be made in the defence research and development programme for 1970–71 referred to in paragraph 13 of Chapter V of The Task Ahead.

Mr. John Morris

We now expect cha forecasts of manpower savings up to 1970–71 which were given in paragraph 42 of Chapter VI of the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy 1968 (Cmnd. 3701) to be exceeded.

Mr. David Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the defence research establishments affected by the cut of over £30 million which will be made in the defence research and development programme for 1970–71, referred to in paragraph 13 of Chapter V of The Task Ahead;

(2) if he will list the development projects which will be affected by the cut of over £30 million which will be made in the defence research and development programme for 1970–71, referred to in paragraph 13 of Chapter 13 of The Task Ahead.

Mr. John Morris

The savings will be secured across the whole of the research and development programme.

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