[1] These agencies had been established over the past 50 years and varied in status, scope and autonomy.

The government believed that the modernisation of British industry, and the revitalisation of the economy through science and technology, could not be implemented effectively under these arrangements.

[2] In March 1962 the government appointed a Committee of Inquiry chaired by Sir Burke Trend to examine whether any, and what, changes in the arrangements were desirable; the relative importance of the national interest for the promotion of civil scientific research; and the methods of financing of these agencies.

[3] It recommended disbanding the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (established 1915) and its council and distributing their functions to three new agencies.

[6] Its long title is: ‘An Act to make further provision with respect to the responsibility and powers in relation to scientific research and related matters of the Secretary of State, the Minister of Technology and certain chartered bodies and other organisations, and for purposes connected therewith.’ The act comprises 7 sections and 4 schedules.