Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 November 1970.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what surveys have been carried out to determine the economic benefits derived from the Ministry of Technology's industrial liaison centres.
Only one survey of this type has been made. It was carried out by a firm of consultants, and completed in June, 1969.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the independent survey showed that these centres had benefited industry to the tune of £250,000? As they are provided at minimum cost, will the hon. Gentleman give the House a guarantee that they will continue and will not be cut out by the new Administration?
These organisations, with others of the same sort, are being reviewed along the lines of the White Paper on the reorganisation of central Government to see whether they are a proper charge on the State and, if so, whether the present organisation is cost-effective and likely to produce the desired results. I cannot say more than that.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these centres have acted as a very useful focus for bringing local industry together with local universities and colleges and that if there were any inclination to discontinue them this would have an effect not only on the industries which use them but on the universities which benefit by an input of experience from local industry?
Benefit has certainly resulted from these centres. The question which the Government wish to examine is whether the people who receive the benefit should pay the cost of them.
Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that before the Ministry of Technology was set up quite an important tradition was established by the old D.S.I.R. in this field? I hope that that will not be entirely eliminated.
The Government are reviewing the position. I have nothing to add at present.