HC Deb 04 November 1946 vol 428 cc1037-8
29. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade what industries have, so far, taken advantage of the defence regulation permitting the imposition of a levy to finance research associations; whether any other industries have plans in this connection; and what arrangements he proposes to make for permanent legislation to take the place of this defence regulation when it expires.

Mr. Marquand

The answer to the first part of the Question is, "None, Sir." As regards the second part, preliminary inquiries about the use of these regulations have been made by three industries, namely wool, building and iron foundries, and the working parties on the pottery, hosiery, boot and shoe and furniture industries have suggested compulsory levies for research to be raised either under these regulations or in some other way. As regards the third part of the Question, I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Blackburn

Has my hon. Friend been given any reason for this extraordinary backwardness on the part of British industry in not being prepared to take advantage of this Defence Regulation?

Mr. Marquand

I suspect that in part it was due to the knowledge by British industry that the working parties had made these recommendations, and that some more comprehensive legislation might be necessary.