§ Mr. Warrenasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on how many occasions the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology has met since its formation; what subjects have been discussed at its meetings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherOne full meeting of the Advisory Council on Science and Technology (ACOST) has taken place since its inception.
Among the items discussed were draft reports on optoelectronics and on the industrial impact of the decision to go ahead with the construction of a pressurised water reactor at Sizewell B; and the second stage of a study on barriers to growth for small companies.
The meeting also gave preliminary consideration to national priorities for science and technology, both in basic science and in strategic areas, such as space research, and Sir Francis Tombs reported progress in setting up the centre for exploitation of science and technology.
ACOST derives considerable benefit from the ability to conduct its business in confidence. It is not customary for the outcome of its discussions to be made public unless the chairman specifically requests the Prime Minister's permission to publish the council's advice. However, in the past, ACOST's predecessor, the Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development (ACARD) has 384W published many valuable reports on a range of important subjects and I anticipate that ACOST will produce similar reports within its enlarged terms of reference in due course.