§ Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Minister of Technology how he intends to implement Section 4 of the Science and Technology Act.
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§ Mr. CousinsSection 4 enables me to require the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, after consulting it, to undertake research and development outside the field of atomic energy. This makes it possible for the considerable range of technical skills and facilities already at the Authority's disposal to be applied more widely for the benefit of industry and particularly for those sections serving export markets.
224WPossible projects are already under examination by my Department and by the Authority. Apart from projects of general industrial interest, it may also be possible for the Authority to provide assistance, on suitable terms, on particular technological problems of individual firms at their request.
Firms or organisations wishing to make proposals are invited to communicate with the Atomic Energy Authority.