BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH. (Hansard, 22 March 1934)

§ 28. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID
asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to assist University College, Southampton, in the biological research work in connection with the River Avon undertaken by that foundation?

§ Mr. ELLIOT
The Ministry's Director of Fishery Investigations and one of the Ministry's naturalist staff serve as members of the Advisory Committee formed in connection with the investigation and the advice and experience of these officers, and of other members of the technical staff of the Ministry, has been given in a consulting capacity from time to time, both to the University College and to the Research Officer engaged in carrying out the survey. The Ministry has also assisted the investigation by the loan of scientific apparatus and literature.

§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID
May I ask whether the Ministry proposes to make any direct contribution to the Avon research fund?

§ Mr. ELLIOT
The Ministry has no fund from which it could make any such grant.

Major MILLS
If an application; is made for a grant from the Development Fund by the University College, will the right hon. Gentleman back up such application?

§ Mr. ELLIOT
I should be glad to do so, but I doubt whether my Department can do it.

§ 29. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID
asked the Minister of Agriculture if any other learned foundation has undertaken 1376 research work in, connection with fish biology similar to that undertaken by University College, Southampton, in connection with the River Avon; and, if not, whether he contemplates taking any steps to have this example followed?

§ Mr. ELLIOT
I take it that the hon. and gallant Member refers to the biology of freshwater fishes. Research work on this subject is carried out by the Freshwater Biological Association of the British Empire at Wray Castle on Lake Winder-mere. The Association receives financial assistance from the Development Fund. Similar work with reference especially to the pollution of rivers is carried out by the scientific staff of the Ministry at the Ministry's Experimental Station at Aires-ford, in Hampshire.