§ 60. Captain Pluggeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what exactly will be the functions of Dr. J. C. Drummond, the professor of biochemistry, who has been appointed to his Department to assist the campaign to guide the public in the right use of food; 794 what is the present number of persons at the Ministry with scientific qualifications; and whether it is proposed to strengthen the personnel of the Department in this respect?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)Professor Drummond is scientific adviser to the Ministry of Food and is available to give advice and assistance on scientific problems arising in any part of the Ministry. He is in constant touch with the various organisations which have been set up to deal with scientific questions in which the Government are concerned.
§ Miss WilkinsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that part of the professor's duties consist of vetting advertisements for the Ministry of Food; and does not he think that the time of a professor of biochemistry might be better spent than having to waste it on that kind of work?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat is untrue. The professor is busily engaged on matters that fall within his scientific duties.
§ Miss WilkinsonThe hon. Gentleman says that that is untrue. May I inform him that it is part of Professor Drummond's work, and will he find out something about the work of his own Ministry?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWill my hon. Friend include Members of Parliament with scientific knowledge, and in particular will he consider using the services of the hon. Gentleman the Senior Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir J. Graham Kerr)?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe are in touch with all scientific organisations which can render effective aid.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonYes, but you are not using the services of Members of this House.