HC Deb 23 June 1915 vol 72 cc1174-5
60. Mr. LYNCH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Dr. Edridge-Green was at any time requested by the Board of Trade to submit an efficient test for colour blindness; whether, as a result of considerable experimentation and original research, Dr. Edridge-Green devised that form of lantern which is now employed in the official tests in the Navy, and which, after slight modifications, was adopted by the Board of Trade; whether the Board offered to Dr. Edridge-Green any reward or acknowledgment of his services; and whether, in view of the importance of the material results which have followed from Dr. Edridge-Green's scientific researches, he will recommend him for a suitable reward?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Dr. Edridge-Green was at no time requested by the Board of Trade to submit a test for colour blindness. The lantern adopted by the Board for testing colour vision was not devised by Dr. Edridge-Green, but was devised by a Departmental Committee appointed in 1910 to investigate the question of sight tests. As regards the remainder of the question, the answer is in the negative.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the hon. Gentleman look into this question again personally, on the ground that the Board of Trade have simply taken Dr. Edridge-Green's invention and slightly altered it? Since the days of Thomas Young he is the only British man of science who has contributed valuable work in this particular field of research.

Mr. PRETYMAN

I have looked into the question this morning, and my information does not tally with the statement of the hon. Member; but I will look into the matter again.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the hon. Gentleman test the information?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I will look into the matter again.