§ 49 and 50. Mr. Albuasked the Prime Minister (1) how many heads of divisions, or scientists at similar level, have left Harwell during each of the last two years;
(2) what has been the increase in numbers of senior scientific and technical staff and senior administrative staff, respectively, at Harwell over the last two years.
§ The Prime MinisterThese are matters of day-to-day management of the Atomic Energy Authority in which I do not regard it as my duty to intervene.
§ Mr. AlbuIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there have been very serious losses of senior scientific staff at Harwell recently which are causing very great concern? Further, is he aware that it is said that these losses are due to the fact that the establishment is now dominated by the accountancy and administrative staff, the scientists no longer being able to get on with the job of research?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. There are, of course difficulties, and there are movements, some of which have value, between industry and the universities. But there certainly has been a very great advance under the present arrangements for the management of atomic affairs by the independent authority.