HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 c164W
Mr. Freeth

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will make a statement on United Kingdom participation in the new North Atlantic Treaty Organisation scheme for advanced study institutes.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The North Atlantic Council has established a fund to promote international gatherings for the advanced study of special scientific topics. The fund will provide financial assistance to selected institutes which offer intensive courses of study, usually at postdoctoral to professorial levels, in branches of the natural sciences and technology. To be eligible for support, an advanced study institute must be located in a N.A.T.O. country, although participating lecturers and students may be from any country.

The United Kingdom contribution to the fund will be about £7,000 in the first year; and will be borne on the Vote of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The funds will mostly be used for contributions to the teaching and administrative expenses of selected courses; assistance may also be given towards the travelling and subsistence expenses of participants from N.A.T.O. countries.