§ 23. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, if, in view of the recent work undertaken by the Jodrell Bank radio-telescope on behalf of the United States Government, he will consider increasing the amount of financial aid given by Her Majesty's Government to this project.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe United States Government already pay in full for the work undertaken on their behalf by the radio-telescope and there is, therefore, no ground for any contribution from United Kingdom public funds on this score.
§ Mr. MasonDoes it not oppear that the Jodrell Bank radio-telescope has been starved of finance? Is it not rather humiliating, particularly to Her Majesty's Government, that we should have to rely on American charities to maintain the telescope in existence?
§ Sir D. EcclesThere is no question of American charity. The Jodrell Bank radio-telescope will do valuable work for Americans who are paying for both the capital cost and the running.
§ Mr. MasonIs it not a fact that if the Americans had not been using the telescope at Jodrell Bank it would have been starved of money for running costs?
§ Sir D. EcclesI cannot accept that argument.
§ 24. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, when Treasury approval was given to the allocation by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research of all the moneys for the Jodrell Bank radio-telescope; and if he will make a statement.
30 and 31. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science (1) what research grant has been authorised for the Jodrell Bank Research Station; and why there is delay in making the payment;
(2) what grants have been made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial 666 Research to the Jodrell Bank Research Station; for what specific purposes; and for what periods of duration.
§ Sir D. EcclesTreasury approval for the last instalment of £130,000 of the total grant of £360,000 towards the capital cost of construction of the radio-telescope was given on 8th August, 1956, and payment to the University was completed on 17th March, 1958. Three further grants totalling £127,820 for running costs, development of new apparatus and techniques and research involving the use of the radio-telescope have been authorised, and I am circulating details of them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am not aware of any delay on the part of the Treasury in giving approval or by D.S.I.R. in making the payments to the University.
§ Mr. MasonCould the Minister say when these recent allowances were authorised? Is it not a fact that Parliament approved moneys for research projects many months ago and that other research projects have got their money but it is being withheld in respect of Jodrell Bank? Does not the Treasury seem to have some bias against the Jodrell Bank radio-telescope? Why?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no information that these grants, which were towards the running costs, were delayed.
§ Mr. SpeakerDr. King.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have called Dr. King.
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not see the right hon. Gentleman and I called Dr. King.
§ Dr. KingAs the Jodrell Bank Station has now clearly established itself internationally as one of the glories of British post-war science and engineering, ought not the Government to accept full financial responsibility for it?
§ Sir D. EcclesAs for running costs, we are prepared to examine any grants asked for on their merits in the usual way. There is a sum of only £60,000 left to be collected by the University towards the capital cost.
§ Mr. EdeMay I allude to the last point made by the Minister? In view of the tremendous position in the scientific world that the enterprise of Manchester University in this matter has given this country, ought not the Government to feel that they could subscribe this last sum of £60,000 and bring to an end the continual references which are made in the Press to the fact that this University is still in debt to that amount on this project?
§ Sir D. EcclesMy noble Friend feels that the contribution that has been made —on terms which were well understood —is sufficient. The rest of the money, it was understood, would be raised by the University.
§ Following are the details:
| GOVERNMENT GRANTS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH TO THE JODRELL BANK RADIO TELESCOPE | ||
| Purpose of Grant | Amount | Date of Treasury Approval |
| Galactic and extra-galactic neutral hydrogen emis-sion studies and development of data handling processes. | £15,200 | 22nd October, 1958 |
| Running costs | £13,000 annually for 4 years | 4th June, 1959 |
| Development of new apparatus and techniques. | £60,820 | 30th December, 1959 |