asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science how many development contracts and earmarked grants for research have now been placed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Seven development contracts and one earmarked grant. I am informed that an eighth development contract is to be signed tomorrow.

Can the Minister say whether there has been any change in the establishment of the D.S.I.R.—which was rather recommended by the Trend Committee—for identifying projects and placing contracts?

I should like notice of that question.