asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science when the last survey of the non-ferrous mineral reserves of Cornwall was carried out; what was its nature; and what were the results.

The results of a comprehensive study were published in a Geological Survey memoir on the Metalliferous Mining Region of South-West England in 1956. Airborne geophysical surveys were undertaken in 1957, 1958 and 1959 and at present airborne magnetic surveys are being extended to the offshore areas.

Will the Minister take into account that the 1956 volume which he has mentioned has been described by a mining expert as a tiresome recital of past mining activities and, worse still, that it contains literally hundreds of gross errors of fact? Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the results of the aerial surveys have been published and where they can be found?

I think that I had better write to the hon. Gentleman in order to tell him exactly where, in fact, he can get them, because they have been published in a number of different ways.

In view of what was sad in the Finance Bill debate in the House, will not my hon. Friend agree to look again to see if a further survey can now be carried out?

We are at the present time still continuing with the airborne magnetic surveys.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will list those projects which, the, cost of which being too great to justify an entire independent programme in the United Kingdom, are considered by his Department to justify international cooperation specifying the nature of such projects and the other countries concerned.

The United Kingdom is participating in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research; and in the Dragon and Halden atomic reactor experiments of the European Nuclear Energy Agency. I will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT lists of the participating countries.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether he would not agree that at present co-ordination is desirable, and whether he would say to what extent his Department is in touch with other departments in Europe about this matter?

We are, of course, pleased to work on a basis of international cooperation on scientific matters wherever it seems either possible or desirable.

Would the hon. Gentleman give details of the Anglo-French-German programme on space research? I put a Question down about this and it has been transferred, but, perhaps, in view of the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn), the hon. Gentleman will be able to give the details.

If the hon. Member is referring to the European space research organisation project, there we are waiting for the two sub-committees to report back to the preparatory commission. If he is referring to the proposed launcher organisation, I have nothing further to add to what has already been said.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement regarding methods for assisting the development of the results of research in the civil field.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether he is satisfied that the existing administrative machinery for applying science to industry is adequate; and if he will make a statement.

The Government must necessarily play a more restricted part in civil than in defence research and development because they are not, in the main, the consumers of the products of civil industry. Nevertheless, in the novel and costly field of atomic energy, civil research and development is mainly conducted by a Government-financed organisation. The N.R.D.C., financed by the Government, supports research and development projects which it judges will, in the long term, give an economic return. The D.S.I.R. is currently working on a number of proposals for civil development contracts and is concerned in a variety of other ways to stimulate the dissemination of research results and their application to industry. Co-operative research associations are financed by industry with supporting grants from D.S.I.R.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that this adequately follows up the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy in its Annual Report last year?

My noble Friend and I are never satisfied, but we are pressing on.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how many companies have joined the Machine Tool Industry Research Association; and whether any companies have refused to take part.

Membership of the Machine Tool Industry Research Association, which was incorporated in November. 1960, amounts to sixty-four machine tool manufacturers, representing about half of the output of the industry, and twenty manufacturing firms in allied industries. Further efforts will be made to secure the membership of those firms which have not yet responded to invitations to support the research association.

Can my right hon. Friend suggest any reason why other firms are not co-operating in this?

I think that possibly they do not as yet fully appreciate the benefits which co-operation in research can bring them, if they are small firms, by enabling them to get the benefits of research they could not finance by themselves; and if they are large firms, by getting research done in the research association and thereby relieving their own resources to be devoted to the more competitive aspects of the industry.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Russia, to quote but one example, there are some 10,000 to 13,000 graduate designers in the machine tool industry as against some 130 or 150 in this country? Will my hon. Friend see, therefore, that the machine tool industry increases the effort it is now trying to put into research?

I fully accept my hon. Friend's desire to get more research and development in the machine tool industry, and it was, of course, with that in mind that the Machine Tool Industry Research Association has been but recently set up.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether the Agricultural Research Council is considering what is the best pig for the British bacon curing industry; and what are the results.

No, Sir. The Council organises and co-ordinates research with a view to acquiring scientific knowledge on such matter as the breeding, nutrition, housing and management of pigs, bearing in mind the problems of the pig industry. The results of experiments are published and are available to the farmer to help him in producing the most appropriate type of pig for his own particular circumstances, and also to the advisory services of the agricultural Departments.

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is vitally important that we should in fact grow the right pig in this country, and that there is no point, in view of the extremely heavy competition in the pig industry, in not developing the best pigs for our particular needs? Will he get the Agricultural Research Council to look at this question again, because it is vitally important?

On the question of who should do research into what is in fact the right type of pig, my noble Friend and I take the view that this is primarily a matter for the pig producers. The Pig Industry Development Authority is actively engaged in research in trying to find the best type of pigs for the various sections of the pig-meat trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what recent assessment he has made of injurious effects upon health and road safety of the increasing volumes of dark and black smoke from exhausts of diesel oil-powered road vehicles; and, in view of this continuing pubic nuisance, what remedial measures he proposes.

Repeated studies by the Medical Research Council have shown no evidence of a higher incidence of lung cancer or respiratory disease among persons exposed to greater amounts of diesel exhaust fumes than the general population. No figures are at present available to indicate the effect of diesel smoke on road safety. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is collaborating with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport in his efforts to ensure the correct maintenance and operation of vehicles which will satisfactorily eliminate the nuisance from this source.

Will not my hon. Friend agree that, though there may be no evidence of lung cancer from these fumes, they are none the less asphyxiating, highly unpleasant, and a grave menace on our roads? As this is a scientific problem which has now engaged the attention of D.S.I.R. and other agencies for up to ten years within my knowledge, does not my hon. Friend agree that the efforts being made to provide a practical solution are evidently inadequate?

I would remind my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport made new Regulations on 10th July, which will be laid before the House within a few days, in order to prevent misuse of the excess fuel device to obtain extra power, thereby creating extra diesel smoke.

Apart from getting scientific information, would the hon. Gentleman use a little common sense about this? Does he not appreciate that these diesel fumes obscure the view on the roads and add to the slipperiness of the roads in wet weather, and that that is extremely dangerous? Will he not see that something is done to ensure that this nuisance on the roads is done away with?

The hon. and learned Gentleman's question is really for the Minister of Transport.

No.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress has been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and other research institutions and agencies, in the filtration of exhaust fumes from diesel oil-powered road vehicles, with a view to de-colourisation and decontamination: and whether he will make a statement on the progress of tests by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of American equipment for this purpose.

The Warren Spring Laboratory of the D.S.I.R. has examined methods for removing smoke from the exhausts of diesel powered road vehicles, but no device yet tested has proved satisfactory. A Swiss device is at present undergoing tests. No commercially-produced American device is yet available for tests.

Following my supplementary question on Question No. 6, could my hon. Friend say whether research in this important field is confined only to D.S.I.R.? Are the motor industry research bodies co-operating? Are there any other agencies co-operating with D.S.I.R.? Can my hon. Friend take more purposive steps to get a coordinated and co-operative research effort in this very grave matter?

D.S.I.R. is, of course, working very closely with the Ministry of Transport in this matter, and, in addition, I am informed that the British Internal Combustion Engine Research Association is undertaking a programme of fundamental studies of the combustion process in diesel cylinders, and we hope that this may lead to remedial measures being possible.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that friends of mine who are experts in the manufacture of engines of this kind, namely, Gardner's of Eccles, Manchester, inform me that if these engines were decently maintained there would be no trouble? Would the hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Transport rather than sidetrack the issue, so that a solution can be brought about to this serious matter?

Yes. Get something done.

I would accept the information which the hon. Member has been given by his constituents. It is a fact that correct setting of the injectors and their proper maintenance and operation provides a simple and effective remedy. I would point out to the hon. Member, however, that regulations are a matter for my right hon. Friend, not my noble Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is no use blanketing this problem with a smoke-screen of words and that what is really needed is action which will make our highways livable on and drivable on?

That is also a question for my right hon. Friend.

Whatever scientific aspects this question may involve, is the hon. Gentleman aware that this infernal nuisance, of which hon. Members in all parts of the House are now complaining, is an actual, legal offence against the Clean Air Act and the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, and will he consult not only the Minister of Transport but also the Home Secretary to see if some power can be applied to this problem so that the police will take more forceful action in enforcing the laws which exist—

That is a long way away from the Question and from the questions which can properly be put to this Minister.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware that an intensive survey is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that the incidence of cancer is associated with geological formation; and if Her Majesty's Government will increase the scale of their grants for cancer research to provide, inter alia, for such a survey.

Work on geographical variation in cancer incidence is already being supported by the Medical Research Council and will be extended if any promising new lead is found.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the scale of grants is not enough for this purpose? Is he aware, for example, of the statement made at the annual meeting of the British Empire Cancer Campaign and does he appreciate that the remarks in the Press from Professor Alexander Haddow indicate that the hon. Gentleman was talking complete nonsense when he said a few weeks ago in the House that it was ideas and not money that were needed for research? Will the hon. Gentleman change his mind?

No, Sir. I said in answer to a Question in the House and in the debate on 10th July that I am informed by the Medical Research Council that when any promising lead on cancer and similar diseases arises this will not be held up through lack of Government funds. My noble Friend has not at any time refused the Medical Research Council money for which it has asked to promote promising leads of this nature.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state the amount of money spent by the Government on cancer research during the years 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960; and what is the estimated expenditure for the next five-year period.

The Medical Research Council's expenditure from public funds on cancer research was approximately £327,000 in 1955–56; £400.000 in 1956–57; £486,000 in 1957–58; £499,000 in 1958–59; £583,000 in 1959–60; £650,000 in 1960–61, and it will amount to about £783,000 in 1961–62. No estimates can be made for periods beyond the current financial year.

While welcoming the increase over the years, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary will assure the House that he will resist any possible inroads which might be attempted into this amount of money because of the economic stringency in the country?

I am certain that the Medical Research Council would never submit to any reductions in work on a vital subject such as this which was leading to exploration of lines which were definitely promising of a final result.

Can the Minister assure the House that in his opinion the discovery of a cure for cancer is not being held up by lack of funds?

That is the information which I have been given by the Medical Research Council, which is responsible over the whole field. The Council's grants are used to ensure that the total effort from all sources is adequate and balanced, not the other way round.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what consideration he has given to the need for a social sciences research council.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is reviewing the support given by the Department in this field. One aspect of the review is the desirability or otherwise of a separate human or social sciences research council. My noble Friend will consider carefully the views of the Research Council when he has received them.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his noble Friend to seek the views of leading social scientists and sociologists in this country about the contribution which a continual search unit might be able to make to Government policy and Government research?

I hope that such experts in this field will either send their views to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research or to my noble Friend, who will pass them on so that a full and proper survey of the desirability or not of having a social science research council can properly be made.

Why wait? Surely the hon. Gentleman knows that there is a need for it. Everybody accepts that. Why not action now?

My noble Friend put his finger on it when he said in a previous Session in another place that it is possibly premature to have a research council for the social sciences and that if one wishes to encourage the social sciences there may well be other means of so doing, in the universities for example, without the need to set up a special research council.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is not a question of encouraging the social sciences but of enabling them to make the contribution which they can make?

The hon. Lady has made up her mind. My noble Friend will await the report of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research on this problem.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what progress the Atomic Energy Authority has made in the conversion of radioactive wastes into glass for easier and safer disposal.

I am advised by the Atomic Energy Authority that its work on the fixation of highly radioactive wastes in solid glass-like materials is progressing satisfactorily. A pilot scale plant for the further development of the process is being constructed.

Would my hon. Friend indicate where it is proposed to dispose of this glass-like waste when the process has been completed?

The Atomic Energy Authority aims to bury the glass cylinders in concrete pits to eliminate any risk of contaminating local surface water. It will also be necessary for the storage caverns to be equipped with cooling devices to remove the heat caused by radioactive decay during the first years of storage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state the annual output of graduate scientists in the United Kingdom.

The annual output of qualified scientists, which was under 5,000 in 1956, will be approximately 6,900 in the present academic year. In the same period the annual output of qualified technologists has grown from 6,200 to over 9,600.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in 1958, the last year for which I have figures, there was an output of 96,509 graduates in scientific and technical faculties in the United States and that in the same year in the U.S.S.R. there were 114,600 graduates in the same subjects, whilst in Brit tin in 1957 there were only 10,879 graduates? I understand from information provided by H.M. Stationery Office that the present aim of Her Majesty's Government is to increase the annual output from 10,000 to 20,000 in the next ten to fifteen years. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] Is the hon. Gentleman aware that even if this aim is achieved we shall be still seriously lagging behind the two Powers mentioned? Will not he urge upon his noble Friend the need for co-ordination of all the powers available to make up this leeway?

I think that the hon. Member in his speech—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—slightly tended to compare like with unlike. It is not always fair to make a comparison with the United States and U.S.S.R., because standards differ. I would remind the hon. Member that the Statistics Committee of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy is presenting a report—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—that is what I am meant to make—is presenting a report in the fairly near future estimating the output of graduate scientists over the next ten years, and the needs of the nation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what proposals he now has for improving and increasing medical research.

The whole field of medical research is kept under review by the Medical Research Council which takes every opportunity of promoting new and promising lines of study. The Council's programme of research is continually expanding and its expenditure has more than trebled over the last ten years. There is every reason to believe that expenditure will continue to rise.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that Answer is totally unsatisfactory and that the United States are now spending about 4,000 million dollars on medical research? Is he aware that this is costing this country quite a lot in its bill for imported pharmaceutical products? Would the hon. Gentleman do something a little more than is indicated in his Answer?

The hon. Member should recall that the Medical Research Council does not have a monopoly of medical research in this country. A great deal is carried out in the universities and the hospitals and by private organisations. Therefore, the expenditure by the Medical Research Council does not cover all the money that the nation spends on this research?

In view of that, would not the hon. Gentleman arrange for some planning and co-ordination instead of having this ramshackle arrangement for research?

The duty of the Medical Research Council, which it carries out satisfactorily, is to review the nation's efforts in this field and make good the gaps which otherwise might be there.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware that almost £20 millions a year is being paid for farm building subsidies; and if he will establish a research programme for farm building.

My information is that the annual total of grants towards the cost of farm buildings in the United Kingdom is about £7 million. With regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Deptford (Sir L. Plummer) on 16th May last.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the Report of the Farm Building Association, there is a dire need for some research? Is he aware that my information is that half of 1 per cent. of the subsidies given to agriculture, if devoted to this, would provide a first-class research organisation that might bring a great return to the country? I do not want to elaborate on it, but would the hon. Gentleman look into the problem?

I am grateful to the hon. Member far bringing the whole question to the notice of the House. The Agricultural Research Council is advised by the Farm Buildings Research Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Walter Drummond. The hon. Member no doubt will have noticed the report issued to the Press last week about progress in the first year of the experimental farm building scheme. We have great hopes of this.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what contribution the Government makes towards the cost of publication of the results of research undertaken at its own institutes.

The Government contribute in many ways, both directly and indirectly, to the cost of publication of such research, though full details are not readily available. The research councils for which my noble Friend is responsible have made provision for spending about £250,000 in the current year on printing, publication and other forms of publicity.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the great numbers of magazines which we are receiving from other countries, revealing the vast amount of research work going on there compared with the meagre allowance that his Department is making for the publication of students' papers, which is resulting in delay? Will he speed up the research work so that industry and all other Government Departments can take advantage of this scientific age?

A great many scientific publications are not the direct responsibility of my noble Friend, but the research councils for which he is responsible go out of their way to see that the results of their research are published in all the relevant leading journals.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement upon the effect of the shortage of mathematicians upon the British scientific research effort.

Scientific research depends quite as much on quality as quantity. In quality, our mathematicians are second to none, and I do not, therefore, fear for our progress on this account. It is, however, difficult to obtain mathematicians for research and teaching. For the action Her Majesty's Government are taking to increase the number of mathematicians, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education's speech in this House on 10th July.

Will not the hon. Gentleman recognise that that reply is based upon a scientific research programme which hon. Members on both sides of the House consider is not good enough? Unless this programme is speeded up and increased, the position will become infinitely worse. Does not the hon. Gentleman think that it is his responsibility to have discussions with the Minister of Education and not merely to wait for Questions from this side of the House? Will not he accept his responsibility?

The hon. Gentleman knows that there is, naturally, very close contact at all levels between Government Departments, but the steps which can or should be taken, or which are being taken, to increase the number of mathematicians are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education and of the universities.

Will the hon. Gentleman jerk the Minister of Education into action? It was obvious from the science debate last week and from the education debate yesterday that both sides of the House recognise that there is a crisis in the supply of mathematics teachers at all levels. When are we to have action?

The hon. Gentleman obviously missed the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education gave to one of my hon. Friends only a little while ago at the end of Question Time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for increasing research into geophysics.

The D.S.I.R. at present operates thirteen research grants with six different universities or colleges, and six further grants are contemplated. In addition, it is intended to extend the use of seismic methods by the Geological Survey. Geophysical (research is also carded out in other establishments for which my noble Friend is not directly responsible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we are familiar with the annual report of the Geological Survey? To the best of my knowledge, however, there has never been a geophysical survey in Britain. Will he recognise that at this stage—again, this is to the best of my knowledge—there are singularly few chairs in our universities catering for this vital branch of research? Will he consider this more closely in the interests of our future development?

As I have said, there are a large number of other establishments, such as the Meteorological Office and the Astronomer-Royal at Hurstmonceaux, where geophysical research is undertaken. But, as I said in reply to a question last May, we are having difficulty in recruiting the necessary qualified manpower.

asked the Parliament Secretary for Science what are his proposals for encouraging more cooperative research in industry.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research will continue to give co-operative research associations full support. The Council plans to increase its overall annual grant contributions, provided that industry continues to give an increasing measure of support. My noble Friend and I lose no opportunities of explaining the benefits which industry can obtain from a greater use of co-operative research.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will make a statement on his Department's research into marine nuclear propulsion.

The Atomic Energy Authority collaborated fully with the Ministry of Transport Committee which assessed the suitability for marine propulsion of various reactors now in an advanced stage of development. Since the Committee reported, the Authority has begun a study of more advanced reactor systems.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that Answer does not give anyone a clear idea of what is being done? Would he say whether or not basic research by his Department on the attempt to get a suitable reactor system has now been abandoned, or is being abandoned altogether, despite the fact that savings in operating costs by the use of nuclear propulsion, compared with present costs, would be about 80 per cent.? Would not that present a serious future for shipping?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Atomic Energy Authority will continue to spend fairly large sums of money on the development of reactors which could have a sea-based application as opposed to a land-based application only.

Was it upon the advice of the hon. Gentleman's Department that the Minister of Transport took the lamentable decision not to proceed at the moment with any of the designs that we have already?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has not yet announced any decision to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for encouraging meat research.

The matter is still under consideration, but it is hoped to make a statement shortly.

Can the hon. Gentleman prevail on his noble Friend to see that "shortly" really means "shortly"? Is he aware that we have a mission buying French cattle in France, that we have the growth of baby beef under the broiler system in this country, and that we have competition from chickens? Surely something should be done to instruct housewives and farmers about exactly what is needed in the country's interests?

I agree that it is desirable that the proposal to set up a meat research institute should have a final decision as soon as possible, but for some time a great deal of research on meat has been taking place at the Low Temperature Research Station at Cambridge, which I visited last Friday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will now state when the London University Imperial College of Science and Technology will be allowed to commence building a low-power nuclear reactor.

The discussions to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 9th May are not yet concluded and I am not yet in a position to make a further statement.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that this situation is rather deplorable? Are not we lagging further behind other countries in not having low-powered reactors at our universities? Will he do something to speed this matter up, so as to enable our undergraduates to study the building and use of a low-powered reactor?

It is only within the last few days that London University has made its final views known to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which is now awaiting the revised application for a grant, with full supporting details and up-to-date estimates of costs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for improving biological research.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for implementing 'the recommendations contained in the Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, 1960, on taxonomy.

At the request of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, a Committee of the Royal Society is considering existing arrangements for supporting fundamental research in biology, and I am awaiting the outcome of its consideration.

Are not the hon. Gentleman and his noble Friend delaying these matters instead of getting on with the job? The medical profession is doing excellent work in biological therapy, but is having to neglect certain research because of lack of finance. Will the hon. Gentleman again believe in the old adage that prevention is better than cure?

A very high standard of biological research is being carried on in a number of institutes and institutions, and it is not a bad thing to get a body of expert opinion such as the Royal Society to tell us where the gaps lie, if there are any.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will give the percentages of research, and cost of work, carried out by private industry working partly on Government contract.

According to calculations published in last year's Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, private industry carried out research and development costing £266 million in 1958–59, of which £154 million or 58 per cent. was financed by Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will now announce Government proposals for encouraging food research.

A considerable amount of research on food is at present being undertaken at the research stations under the control of the A.R.C. and D.S.I.R., by research associations under the auspices of the D.S.I.R., and elsewhere. The possibility of extending this work is kept under review.

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary think, having regard to the large amount of work which he says is being done and, I presume, the enormous amount of money which is spent in this field, that it would be well to publish same findings of the organisations which are busy in this work?

When they reach a stage at which publication would be useful, all the findings are published in the appropriate journals. The research associations do their best to see that the firms which might benefit from the researches made are aware of what is being discovered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware of the contribution the computer machine would make to the prosperity of British industry; and what research he is undertaking in order to secure the maximum benefits from an increase in the scale of its general use.

Yes, Sir, I am fully aware of the variety and importance of the contributions which computer techniques can make to the prosperity of British industry. Government agencies are supporting a great deal of research and development in this field and encouraging its application. Support is also being given to the British Conference on Automation and Computation, one of whose aims is to extend the use of these techniques throughout industry.

I cannot say that these efforts are in any way successful, and I wish to add—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ask a question."] I am coming to my supplementary question. In the meantime, I hope that hon. Members who interrupt me appreciate the time that they are wasting. The point is that this makes a tremendous contribution—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ask a question."] I should like to ask the Minister, as a supplementary question, how many meetings he has had with British industry in order that the benefits of this machine may be made known, for the truth is—

Order. Question Time is not the time for giving information, as I must remind the hon. Member.

Is the Minister aware that this machine is under-employed?

The National Physical Laboratory, which is one of the stations of the D.S.I.R., provides an advisory service to industry and assists individual firms with programming problems and the application of computer techniques. In its research into the application of computers it has paid particular attention to a number of industries in which computer techniques, we believe, can be of benefit.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science to what extent the Atomic Energy Authority is concerning itself with the development of instruments and systems to detect nuclear explosions both underground and in space; what form these developments are taking; and what prospects there are of a fully effective detection system being devised.

The Atomic Energy Authority is pursuing two main lines of approach: seismic studies for earth-based explosions, and studies of the ionic and optical changes in the upper atmosphere which would occur as a result of explosions in space. Progress towards a fully effective detection system would be faster if all three countries taking part in the Nuclear Tests Conference were pooling their efforts in a coordinated programme of research, as Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government have repeatedly urged.

Is the Minister aware that the Atomic Energy Authority seems to have stepped up its research in this field? Is this due to Government optimism in expecting a test agreement soon or is it that they suspect that Russia has tested underground or in space and that we have to speed up our efforts to try to detect these tests?

Naturally, the Government still hope that it will still be possible to make progress in the Geneva talks, but research of this kind is equally essential if we are to have an adequate system of international inspection.