HC Deb 20 June 1940 vol 362 cc243-4
56. Mr. Stokes

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will take all necessary steps to ensure the widest possible publicity in scientific papers of all enemy inventions used against us so as to ensure that every possible opportunity is given to scientists in this country to produce counter-inventions?

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Chamberlain)

It is not considered necessary, or in the public interest, to give the publicity to enemy inventions suggested by the hon. Member. Each of the Services has its own Research Department, and all of them maintain the closest liaison with each other, with the other Government Research Departments, and with scientists and engineers outside the Government Services. In this way the appropriate scientists of the country are already directly available for consultation on any of the problems which may arise.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Lord President of the Council aware that there is a vast field of scientific research which is not in close touch with the Departments concerned and that scientists are complaining about this? Is it really understandable to say that an invention produced by the enemy cannot be disclosed for fear of giving information to the enemy? That is a thing that scientists cannot understand.

Mr. Chamberlain

No, Sir, I did not say that. It is impossible to publish every invention which may he devised by the enemy, and if certain of them were selected, it would be pointing out to the enemy those inventions which we think are of importance.

Mr. Stokes

While appreciating what the Lord President of the Council says, surely in the case, for example, of the magnetic mine it is advisable that details should be published? The Admiralty have already refused to give any information.

Mr. Chamberlain

The hon. Member will be aware that we have already devised a counter to the magnetic mine.