§ 32. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to induce, by way of grants, those medical scientists who have emigrated to North America to return to Great Britain.
§ Mr. PowellI understand it is open to any British medical scientist to apply to the Medical Research Council for a grant.
§ Dr. JohnsonWhile appreciating my right hon. Friend's reply, may I ask whether he is aware that, while this will doubtless be welcome news, nevertheless there is a tendency for medical scientists to drift to America, as, possibly, he is aware? Is he aware that there are additional factors as well as financial reasons that keep them there? Will he look into this aspect closely so that we do not continue to lose these valuable people?
§ Mr. PowellI agree with my hon. Friend that opportunities for research as well as merely the financial aspect are important. It is, however, the responsibility of the Medical Research Council to allocate the money which is available for research.