XN000022-1974-03-22 — Page 7

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Friday, March 22, 1974

"They might, for instance, be carrying out some parallel

investigation which could form part of the project; or the consultants'

brief might be expanded to provide data required by the university for

some other important research.

Mr. Robson said there was, of course, the alternative of the

universities themselves sponsoring research projects which have immediate

practical application just as the polytechnic is charged with developing

closer relationships with industry and carrying out research into specific

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problems posed by local industries.

"In a nutshell," he added, "all I am recommending is investment

in research, development and training."

The Secretary for the Environment pointed out that the government's

ten-year housing programme would create tremendous opportunities for the

construction industry.

More significantly, it would mark a departure from past policy by

stretching out the horizons of forward planning. "For the first time, we

are going beyond the immediate requirements of the next few years to take

a bold and realistic look at the scale of housing we want to provide ten years

from now.

"It would be gratifying indeed if our private developers and building

contractors were equally far-sighted in anticipating the long-term demands

and gearing up to meet then."

Mr. Robson