HC Deb 08 December 1926 vol 200 cc2114-5
74. Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the recommendations of the Imperial Conference that there shall be the fullest practicable co-operation between the organisations, respectively, responsible for agricultural. fisheries, forestry, medical, and industrial research: and whether he will state how it is proposed to give effect to these recommendations?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for COLONIAL AFFAIRS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it will take some time for the various Governments fully to consider the recommendations of the Imperial Conference on the subject of research. He may, however, like to know that, so far as this country is concerned, the question of the co-ordination of research work carried on by, or under, the Government is already under investigation.

75. Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what financial assistance is to be given by the Marketing Board in carrying out the suggestion made by the Imperial Conference that a chain of research stations shall be established throughout the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the British Empire?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The Empire Marketing Board are examining the recommendations in consultation with the Departments and others concerned, and it is hoped to provide material on the subject for discussion at the Imperial Agricultural Research Conference to be held in October next year. It would be premature, as yet, to attempt to indicate what financial assistance might ultimately be forthcoming for this purpose from the Empire Marketing Grant.