HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc326-7W
Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Technology what is the cost to public funds in the current year and in total, respectively, of the study of the effect of natural wind upon tall structures, bridges, and groups of buildings proposed in town planning projects; in which Government establishments it is being carried out; and what contribution towards cost is being made from the construction industry.

Mr. Fowler

Expenditure on research in this field in 1968–69 was as follows:—

(1) Within Government Establishments:
National Physical Laboratory £150,000
Building Research Station £27,000
The N.P.L. figure includes £30,000 of repayment work.
(2) Government contribution to work at Research Associations:
Electrical Research Association £40,000
Construction Industry Research and Information Association (C.I.R.I.A.) £4,000
These sums are matched by approximately equal contributions from industry.
(3) University research supported by Science Research Council £27,000

This level of research effort has been built up over a period of years and it is not practicable to give the total expenditure to-date.