HC Deb 27 November 1945 vol 416 cc1070-1
45. Mr. Cobb

asked the Lord President of the Council the number of Government establishments, excluding the Post Office, which carry out research; and the total number of physicists or qualified engineers employed by these on pure research and applied research respectively.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

Practically every Government Department is concerned to some extent, either directly or indirectly, with research work. Complete figures are not available but, excluding the Post Office, there are upwards of 9,000 qualified engineers and over 1,300 physicists in Government service. I am afraid that it is quite impossible to answer the last part of my hon. Friend's question. The duty of many research workers involves both fundamental and applied research at the same time.

Mr. Cobb

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that we are doing enough about research, and, if the answer is in the negative, can he say whether he will shortly be in a position to state what the Government's future plans are on this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I think it would be a bold thing to say that we are doing enough in the direction of research. It is occupying the mind of the Government, and improvements are being planned. As and when they arrive, I will inform the House.