HC Deb 04 December 1962 vol 668 cc1125-6
19. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps he is taking to relieve scientists engaged on Government work of unnecessary form-filling arising out of that work.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

If the hon. Member would let me know what forms he has in mind, I will be happy to look into the matter.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some of our most eminent scientists are having to waste their time on such chores as form-filling to obtain simple standard equipment for their research work?

Mr. Freeth

I think that simple equipment of that nature would probably be provided by the university, and my noble Friend is not responsible for the universities.

As regards the applications for grants made to the research councils, I do not believe that any more form-filling is required than is necessary to vet particular applications.

Mr. Mitchison

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this complaint is really rather widespread? Will he ask the Trend Committee to look into it?

Mr. Freeth

I am not sure that this comes within the terms of reference of the Trend Committee.

Mr. Mitchison

The hon. Gentleman should look into it himself.

20. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps he will take to provide sufficient funds to enable scientists engaged on Government work to plan their research for more than 12 months ahead, and to prevent the accumulation of delays caused by financial uncertainty.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

It is not correct that scientists engaged on Government work plan their research for only 12 months ahead. The system of forecast of expenditure recommended by the Plowden Report is already in operation within my noble Friend's area of responsibility and is being widely developed. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I will gladly look into it.

Mr. Allaun

But does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that research projects are being endangered because of the time taken to present the case for costly research equipment, and that as a result of this many research workers are going to America because they can obtain equipment more quickly there? It must be very disappointing for such workers to find that they start research in advance of the Americans, and finish up with the Americans.

Mr. Freeth

I think that the hon. Gentleman is cutting across a specific Question later on the Order Paper.