HC Deb 08 March 1926 vol 192 cc1884-5
12. Mr. SNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the amount of money devoted exclusively to research work in the Crown Colonies and Protectorates for medical, veterinary or horticultural purposes; and whether the sum so devoted is considered adequate or is an increase in the amount contemplated?

Mr. AMERY

The Estimates of the Colonial Governments do not, as a rule, show separately the provision made for exclusively research work under the heads indicated. If the hon. Member wishes it, I think it would be possible to give him a statement of the provision made in the Estimates of some of the larger Colonies for typical research institutions, such as the Medical Research Institute in the Federated Malay States, and of the expenditure by Governments on such an institution as the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture. It will no doubt be realised that expenditure on purely research work is limited by the resources of each dependency and its circum- stances; but the importance of adequate funds being made available is fully recognised.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that private companies and individuals profiting by these researches pay their proportion of the expenses?

Captain A. EVANS

Is it not a fact that those private individuals who benefit by the researches carried on by the Imperial College of Agriculture in Trinidad pay a very large sum towards expenses?

Mr. AMERY

My hon. and gallant Friend has anticipated what I would have said. The various contributions from private sources have considerably exceeded those from Government sources, I believe.