§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to enable closer liaison to take place between industry and schools and universities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldI am working closely with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science on this matter. Considerable efforts are already being made to bring industry, schools, universities and other educational establishments closer together. In particular I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the work of PETT—Project Engineers and Technologists for Tomorrow—an organisation sponsored by my Department, to the "Understanding British Industry Scheme" being launched by the confederation of British Industry, and to the work of the Schools Council and the Science Research Council in this regard. Other schemes are under urgent consideration. I would also refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Science Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on Science and Technology "University—Industry Relations" published on 26th October 1976.