HC Deb 20 October 1969 vol 788 cc179-80W
Mr. Gregory

asked the Minister of Technology (1) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Bulgaria; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Czechoslovakia; what consideration has been given for setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Hungary; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(5) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Poland; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for further- ing the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(6) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Roumania; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement;

(7) what progress has been made towards the implementation of scientific and technological agreements with the Government of Yugoslavia; what consideration has been given for the setting up of joint consultative machinery for furthering the promotion of scientific and cultural exchanges between the two countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Williams

Her Majesty's Government have within the past 2½ years signed technological agreements with all the States mentioned by my hon. Friend. Our object in all these agreements has been the promotion of closer contacts with the States concerned, particularly in areas where British industry can benefit.

A number of more detailed joint arrangements have been instituted as a result of the agreements, chiefly in the form of joint working parties in particular industrial fields. Furthermore, all the agreements provide for annual reviews and my right hon. Friend has participated in such reviews with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, with Yugoslavia, with Hungary and with Roumania respectively.

Cultural agreements and other inter-Governmental arrangements in this field are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.