HC Deb 11 March 1952 vol 497 cc1261-2
49. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in order to encourage Government research and development establishments to undertake work for industry, he will reconsider the ruling whereby any money earned for such work is subtracted from the total of their Treasury grant.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir. Because of the shortage of equipment and skilled manpower I do not consider that the change suggested would have the effect desired. It would, moreover, involve abandoning methods of accounting expressly preferred by the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is in the interests of long-term research and development that the partnership between industry and these research establishments should be fomented, and that this is one method employed in increasing that partnership?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not quarrel with the general principles of my hon. Friend, but the present shortage, both of manpower and of materials, would mean that further increased services to industry in this direction would involve a curtailment of the general research on behalf of the Government, which is perhaps the main purpose of these organisations.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that research establishments, at Farnborough and elsewhere, give identical free services to many branches of industry which is greatly appreciated?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am certainly aware of that.