asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will make a statement on the consultations the Government have held on the Report of the Task Force on the Interchange of Scientists.
The Government at once accepted and implemented the main recommendation, to set up a specific unit in the Civil Service Department. The unit has already been instrumental in bringing about wider awareness of the opportunities and has been directly involved in making 20 interchanges between the Civil Service and other sectors of employment. More moves are in the course of exploration and negotiation. The Government have also held extensive consultations with the various bodies concerned. There is general support for the view that interchange of scientific talent between employing sectors should be encouraged. The Inter-change Unit in the Civil Service Department will continue to promote more interchanges of scientists and engineers in the Civil Service with those in the Research Councils, industry, universities and polytechnics.