Catalogue description Records of research establishments

The Ministry of Technology was established in October 1964. Its role was to introduce advanced technology and new processes to British industry and in this role it was assisted by an advisory council which included representatives of industrial, scientific, economic and trade union interests.

The ministry's responsibilities steadily increased, and between 1965 and 1969 it absorbed functions from the Department of Education and Science; the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; the Ministry of Aviation; the Post Office; the Board of Trade; the Ministry of Power; and the Department of Economic Affairs.

By 1970, the Ministry of Technology had thus acquired overall responsibility for government relations with industry in both public and private sectors. It had become responsible for a number of research and other establishments, including the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment; the Aircraft Torpedo Development Unit; the Explosives Research Development Establishment; the Birniehill Institute, the Fire Research Station; the Forest Products Research Laboratory; the Hydraulics Research Station; the Laboratory of the Government Chemist; the National Engineering Laboratory; the National Gas Turbine Establishment; the National Physical Laboratory; the Rocket Propulsion Establishment; the Royal Aircraft Establishment; the Royal Radar Establishment; the Safety in Mines Research Establishment; the Signals Research and Development Establishment; the Torry Research Establishment; the Warren Spring Laboratory; and the Water Pollution Research Laboratory.

In October 1970, the Ministry of Technology merged with the Board of Trade to form the new Department of Trade and Industry.

On 1 January 1971, the Directorate General of Research was established within the newly created Department of the Environment. It took over responsibility for four of the above research stations: the Fire Research Station; the Forest Products Research Laboratory; the Hydraulics Research Station and the Water Pollution Research Laboratory were passed to the Department of the Environment. In addition, it became responsible for the Road Research Laboratory (transferred from the Ministry of Transport) and the Building Research Station (transferred from the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works).