HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1733-4
32. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the success which attended the efforts of our scientists and inventors during the war years in the adaptation of radar, floating tanks and other vital problems, he will appoint a small committee to con- sider schemes for getting coal to the surface at double the present rate, such committee to report progress to Parliament within six months; and whether he will consider offering a substantial reward to the inventor or inventors who produce practical schemes.

Mr. Shinwell

No, Sir. Within the last 12 months the subject of increasing coal production has been investigated and reported on by the Reid Committee. With regard to the encouragement of inventors, the need is known and in my opinion the development of any practical scheme does not require the offer of any special incentive to inventors.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not an astonishing thing that although in time of war scientific and engineering problems are regularly solved, there is no similar encouragement and incentive in time of peace to do something that really wants doing?

Mr. Shinwell

If my hon. Friend has ideas on the subject, I shall be pleased to hear them.