§ 35. Mr. Walderasked the Minister of Technology whether he will list in detail the responsibilities of the Economics and Statistics Division of his Department.
§ Mr. CousinsResponsibilities of the Economics and Statistics Division, Ministry of Technology
The Economics and Statistics Division has four Branches as follows:
- (1) Economics Branch, which is responsible for advising on the economic aspects of the Ministry's policies and programmes. The Branch also provides support for the studies of industries conducted by the Technological Appraisal Groups within the Ministry.
57 - (2) Statistics Branch, which is responsible for the collation, analysis and interpretation of statistics of industries for which the Ministry has sponsoring functions. Statistics of these industries are collected on behalf of the Ministry by the Board of Trade. The Branch provides a statistical service for all the Ministry's activities, including the Research Stations and the grant-aided Research Associations.
- (3) Manpower Branch, which is concerned with manpower resources for science and technology and, in consultation with other Divisions within the Ministry, keeps under review the human and social problems resulting from technological change.
- (4) Engineering Branch, which has the main function of initiating or encouraging actions to enhance the status of engineers and to improve the supply. It is also charged with responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the recommendations of the D.S.I.R. Report on Engineering Design.
§ 31. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Technology if he will consider calling in a firm of management consultants to advise him on the organisation of his Department.
§ Mr. CousinsNo.