§ Mr. Bottomleyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether the changes in the organisation of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, provided for in the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Act, have now been put into effect; and whether he will make a statement.
223W
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Act, 1956, came into operation on 7th November, 1956, under an Order in Council dated 31st October, 1956. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, provided for under the Act, was appointed, and took charge of the work224W of the Department, from that date. My noble Friend does not think it appropriate at this time, and pending the receipt of a first annual Report from the Research Council as required by Section 2 (7)of the Act, to make any general statement on the work of the Research Council.