§ Mr. Porterasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will announce the membership of the Engineering Council.
§ Mr. WakehamThe Royal charter to establish the Engineering Council was granted on 27 November. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry has now formally appointed Sir Kenneth Corfield as chairman of the council until 31 December 1984.
My right hon. Friend has also appointed the following as Members until 31 December 1983:
- Professor G. S. G. Beveridge
- Viscount Caldecote
- G. A. Drain
- Professor D. M. Embrey
- J. W. Fairclough
- Sir Alistair Frame
- G. R. Hall
- Professor Sir Alan Harris
- G. M. A. Harrison
- R. G. Hooker
- Dr. J. H. Horlock
- J. Lyons
- P. L. Martin
- Baroness Platt of Writtle
- D. A. S. Plastow
- R. N. Quartano
- D. H. Roberts
The way is now open for the council to begin its work and to decide how best to achieve its objectives. During the next 12 months, and in the light of experience of its first few months of work, my right hon. Friend intends to appoint further members of the council to bring it up to the full strength of 24 members, in addition to the chairman, which is provided for in the charter.
My right hon. Friend is grateful for the ready response of those whom he has asked to serve on the council. The Government are concerned that our industrial performance falls short of our industrial potential and the Engineering Council can play an important role in narrowing that gap. The Government are sure, too, that the council will receive the good will and co-operation of those others concerned, in industry, in education and in the profession, whose co-operation will further the success of the work of the council.