§ 50. Mr. MANDERasked the Lord President of the Council the present position with regard to the possible introduction of an enabling Bill for a levy on all firms in an industry for co-operative research; and whether the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has now received replies from the existing research associations?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has now received replies from practically all existing research associations on the subject of whether, in their opinion, the industries they serve are likely to favour the introduction of an Enabling Bill for a levy on all firms in an industry for cooperative research. The replies indicate that there has been some change of a, favourable nature towards the principle involved, but the trend of opinion expressed does not lead to the hope that the powers of such a statute would be widely exercised.
§ Mr. MANDERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there appears to be a majority in favour of legislation?
§ Mr. BALDWINPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.