§ 23. Dr. MURRAYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the last Annual Report of the Medical Research Committee of the Privy Council to the effect that its operations have been greatly hampered by the present high cost of scientific instruments and materials; and whether, in view of the fact that other eminent scientific workers have repeatedly stated that the Safeguarding of Industries Act is the chief factor in raising the cost of instruments and chemicals, and in increasing the difficulties of procuring the same, he will advise the Government in favour of repealing or amending the Act in the interests of the health of the people?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers. The Report containing it relates to the year ended on the 30th September, 1821, when the Safeguarding of Industries Act was not in operation, and thus confirms the view that the increased cost of 11 research is not due mainly, or even very appreciably, to that Act.
§ Dr. MURRAYHas the right hon. Gentleman observed that the question does not suggest what he has stated, but that the Act has increased the already high cost of this material?