§ 14. Mr. Robensasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is co-operating in research into the liquification of methane or natural gas.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)The D.S.I.R. is not concerned with this work, as research in this field comes under the Gas Council.
§ Mr. RobensIs it a fact that the Gas Council is doing this on its own without Government support?
§ Mr. NichollsIt comes under the heading of the Gas Council. If the right hon. Gentleman would put a Question to the Paymaster-General, who answers for that body, perhaps he would get a bitter answer.
§ Mr. RobensAm I to understand that if we put a Question to the Paymaster-General it will be answered and not referred to as a matter of day-to-day administration by the Gas Council?
§ Mr. NichollsThe right hon. Gentleman asked me about the D.S.I.R. for which I am responsible, and this matter does not come within the purview of the D.S.I.R.
§ Mr. RobensThe hon. Gentleman said that I could put a Question to the Paymaster-General. If that is done, will the Paymaster-General answer the Question?
§ Mr. NichollsI can only suggest that the right hon. Gentleman should put the Question down and see what the Answer is.