§ Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how the recent reorganisation of his Department affected the defence research and intra-mural research committee; and what are its present functions and composition.
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§ Mr. ButlerThe defence research and intra-mural research committee (DRIRC) was replaced in the recent MOD reorganisation by a new body, the defence research committee (DRC). This committee has a similar task to its predecessor: to provide advice to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) on policy options and priorities concerning scientific and technological research and, against the background of resource availability, to provide guidance to the Controller of R and D Establishments, Research and Nuclear (CERN) regarding the content of his research programme.
Membership of the new committee includes representatives of the major R and D "customers", the defence staff, the defence scientific staff, and the office of management and budget. Other scientific advisers and representatives of other Government Departments may also be invited to attend.