HC Deb 25 February 1936 vol 309 cc242-3
48. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the scientific research of the country is being organised and co-ordinated for defence service?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

The research facilities at the disposal of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are provided for the general advancement of scientific knowledge and its application to industry. As is the case with civil users of the work of the Department, specific problems can be submitted by the Defence Departments upon payment of the necessary charges. The Defence Departments are, moreover, represented on the appropriate Research Boards and Committees of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. I am satisfied that in these and other ways satisfactory coordination exists between the Defence Services and the Research Departments of the Government.

Mr. CHORLTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very complete organisation which has been got together in Germany to deal with this subject?

Mr. MacDONALD

Yes, we are fully aware of it.

Mr. J.J. DAVIDSON

Will the research department consider the defence recommendations made by prominent pacifists during the last War?