Reference...
that much of the machinery at these exhibitions
particularly the bulkier types is usually already sold to local industry; (b) anyway, the types of equipment on show are not necessarily suitable for educational purposes; surely the Poly- technic authorities will want to select their machinery carefully, not accept a chance collection of cast-offs; and (c) as with the main suggestion, British firms will only be interested in making an expensive gift if they can foresee some pay-off for their own company; they are not concerned with promoting goodwill towards British industry generally.
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Suggestion 4 makes me feel that Mr Aston is attaching too much importance to Mr Towlson's conversation - mentioned in his letter (also attached) of 24th July
Mr Towlson makes it clear that he suggested to Mr Bodansky that should provide a technician for the Polytechnic. Mr Bodansky, although
i described as "receptive" took evasive action by suggesting a direct approach to GKN's Chairman. Mr Aston is a bit wide of the mark therefore in speaking of the technician idea as "Mr Bodansky's proposal". In fact Mr Bodansky tells me he has no recollection that the subject was raised at this talk with the Trade Com- mission; if we wanted to pursue the idea we should take it up direct with his Chairman (without, he again stressed, mentioning his name!) but he gave the impression of rather doubting whether it was a starter.
Here too I feel doubtful whether firms would consider it in their narrow self- interest to provide a Polytechnic technician, bearing in mind the considerable cost of overseas living allowance, air fares etc. If the UK is to provide any Polytechnic staff, it seems to me it will have to be under technical assistance.
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Miss C E Welch
CRE 2
September 1972
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