§ 38. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps have been taken to remove from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research the present financial responsibilities in relation to nuclear physics research in universities, mentioned in the Report of that Department for 1952–53.
§ Mr. BevinsDiscussions are in progress with the object of finding an acceptable alternative method of meeting the heavy expenditure on nuclear physics research at universities when the present university quinquennium ends on 31st July, 1957.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonWill not the Minister agree that it is rather unfair that a good deal of the cost of this research, which is for defence purposes, is borne by his Department rather than, say, by the Ministry of Supply? Will he make representations to that end?
§ Mr. BevinsAs I have said, discussions are going on, but the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has undertaken responsibility until 1957.