HC Deb 01 July 1915 vol 72 cc1916-7
24. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can make a statement as to the steps that have been taken, and are about to be taken, for co-ordinating for war purposes the services of men of science and for utilising the laboratories and workshops of our universities and technical schools for experiments and for the making of munitions of war or parts thereof; and whether it is intended to establish, as has been suggested, a Central Committee or Bureau for dealing with inventions and practical scientific questions incidental to the operation of the War?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am fully alive to the great importance of securing the co-operation of scientific workers throughout the country, and of utilising, so far as practicable, the laboratories and workshops of our universities and technical schools for such purposes as those alluded to in the question. I am not at present able to make a detailed statement as to the points raised in the last part of the question.

I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the valuable help which is already being ungrudgingly given to the Ministry of Munitions by men of science and by scientific authorities and institutions.

Sir P. MAGNUS

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the efforts that are being made by him as Minister of Munitions, he is working in close co-operation with the Admiralty and the War Department, so as to prevent overlapping of efforts, which up to the present has been serious.

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

Mr. LYNCH

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed what is being done in France in this matter by M. Albert Thomas in bringing together officers from the front to confer with the representatives of the Academy of Science, and is he prepared to do something of the kind in this country?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That seems to be a very admirable suggestion, and I hope to be able to do something of that kind in a very short time.

Sir P. MAGNUS

May I ask the right Gentleman consider the importance of establishing a Central Bureau Committee?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is one of the things which I have been discussing during the last few days.