HC Deb 10 December 1971 vol 827 cc414-5W
Mr. Dell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the publication of non-departmental research projects financed by him is subject to Crown copyright.

Sir K. Joseph

The position regarding Crown copyright has been given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary.

Arrangements made by my Department have normally specified that the researcher is free to publish his findings, except in respect of work on equipment when the Department's consent may be required before publication in order to safeguard the rights and interests of commercial firms.

Mr. Dell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what requirements he imposes regarding the completion of non-departmental research projects which he finances; whether he is satisfied that these requirements are adhered to; whether there is non-productive expenditure; and how much.

Sir K. Joseph

Commissions placed by my Department for research projects specify the scope and methods of the research, the time in which it is to be carried out, and among other conditions, the requirements for progress and final reports on the work to be made to the Department. Liaison or project officers are appointed to all projects, whose function is to ensure that the requirements are met. I must advise the hon. Member however that not all commissions in the heath or social services are for formal projects. In some cases longer-term arrangements are made with established research directors to enable them to train and hold research teams for sustained inquiry in areas of particular interest. These arrangements are subject to oversight by steering committees, including independent experts, through whom reports on proposed programmes of work and results are received by the Department.

It is inevitable in the kind of research undertaken by my Department that some should prove unsuccessful. Usually this possibility is foreseen at the outset and arrangements are made for an initial feasibility or exploratory study. When on its results the main study is not undertaken we would not consider the expenditure abortive. A careful watch is kept on the progress of all work, however, and unproductive projects can be discontinued. This is of infrequent occurrence and I am not able to state the expenditure involved.