§ 63. Mr. MANDERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider the advisability of requesting Government Departments, when making their purchases from companies, to take into consideration the extent to which the companies concerned are co-operating with and contributing to the research associations established with Government financial support?
§ Major ELLIOTThe requisite information is not in the possession of the contract-making Departments. While I fully sympathise with the desire to encourage research I fear that I cannot see my way to setting up special additional machinery for carrying out my hon. Friend's proposal.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the importance of encouraging research, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider representations upon this matter, if I bring certain facts before him?
§ Major ELLIOTI shall be very glad to consider any representation brought before me by my hon. Friend.