§ Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Technology what contingency plans have been made by Her Majesty's Goverment to reduce facilities and staff at the British Research and Development Corporation in the event of the corporation being unable to obtain the number of contracts envisaged in paragraph 34 of 350W his Green Paper, Industrial Research and Development in Government Laboratories.
§ Mr. BennThe Green Paper proposals have been put forward for public discussion, and legislation would in any case be needed before a British Research and Development Corporation could be established.
§ Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Technology whether it is Her Majesty's Government's intention that the staff employed by the proposed British Research and Development Corporation will be given Civil Service terms of employment; and what changes are envisaged in the terms of service offered to the current staffs of existing establishments to be incorporated into the British Research and Development Corporation and future staff recruited after the creation of the British Research and Development Corporation.
§ Mr. BennThe staff of the Corporation would not be civil servants. The terms and conditions of service of the staff of the proposed British Research and Development Corporation would be a matter for discussion with appropriate staff representatives. Staff transferred to the Corporation from existing organisations would, however, be given terms of employment not less favourable than those they now have.