§ 31. Mr. Jayasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, how much of the £300 million spent by industry in 1958 on research and development was out of public funds; and how much of the total £300 million was for research and how much for development.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe total proportion out of public funds is estimated to be a little more than half, but exact figures are not available. It is not possible to make an apportionment as between research and development.
§ Mr. JayDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it means that industry, out of its own funds, is spending three times as much on advertising as on research? Does he think that these are satisfactory figures, and have the Government no responsibility here?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have no responsibility for the advertising expenditure of industry, but I can say on behalf of my noble Friend that an important change has taken place in recent years, both in the total amount of money spent on research and the amount of that total supported by private funds.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that the House and the country are largely in the dark about the criteria which have to be satisfied before the State steps in and pays for research and development conducted by private industry? Will he consider stating—either by circulating the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT, or putting a copy in the Library—the principles by which his Department has acted in this matter?
§ Sir D. EcclesI shall certainly refer to my noble Friend what my other noble Friend has said.
§ Mr. JayIs it not true that while expenditure on research is rising, expenditure on advertising is rising even faster?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am afraid I have no information on that.