Mr. Wileyasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he will make a statement on the action taken pursuant to the recommendations of the Report on Research and Development Requirements of the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Industries.
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§ Mr. Denzil FreethAction is being taken on all six of the recommendations of the Report as detailed below:
(1) The review of the arrangements for carrying out research in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries is nearing completion: the formation of a new British Ship Research Association has already been the subject of a recent public announcement.
(2) and (3) An economic and technical study of research and development needs in the field of marine engineering is well advanced. This study is being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ministry of Transport with the full co-operation of marine engine building firms and the Research Associations.
(4) A production research team was established nearly a year ago by the British Shipbuilding Research Association, and will continue as part of the new Research Association. It has already carried out an industry-wide survey of techniques and methods in hull construction.
(5) Consideration of development contracts awaits the formation of the new Research Association and the outcome of the two surveys to which I have just referred.
(6) Following the initiative of the two Departments and of the promoters of the new Research Association, the General Council of British Shipping has recently announced its intention to accept an invitation to join the new Research Association and also to institute a review into the shipping industry's own research requirements.