§ 54. Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Industry what consideration he is now giving to international co-operation in scientific research, whether through the European Economic Community or other international institutions, to avoid duplication and obtain better value for money; if he will list those meetings that he and his officials have attended so far in the current year to bring this about; and what has been the outcome of the meetings.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government are convinced of the value of international co-operation in science and technology, both through the European Communities and other international bodies, and attach considerable importance to the criteria identified. So far this year Ministers from this Department and the Department of Energy have participated in three meetings of the European Community Council of Research Ministers. Officials from a number of Departments have been present at these meetings and participated constructively in the work of Community bodies concerned with the devising and implementation of research policy in the European Community as well as wider European collaboration in the framework of COST.
The United Kingdom also plays a prominent role in the work of many other bodies concerned with international co-operation in science and technology. For example, the Government strongly support the activities of the European Space Agency, where we co-operate with other technologically advanced countries. Officials from this Department regularly participate in meetings concerned with the implementation of research programmes on a collaborative basis.