§ 4. Mr. Benceasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what initiatives he is taking for inter-disciplinary cooperation in science.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethMy noble Friend is well aware that some of the most significant scientific research work in recent years has been carried out on the borders between several scientific disciplines. The organisations for which my noble Friend is responsible, particularly the Research Grants Committee of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, are anxious to support worthwhile research projects of this kind, and the work of the Research Councils and the Atomic Energy Authority often demands close collaboration between scientists of many different disciplines. But, of course, the conception of inter-disciplinary research projects is for the scientists themselves, and the initiative must inevitably rest with them.
§ Mr. BenceI thank the hon. Gentleman for that Answer. Can he give the House an assurance that scientists are not inhibited in any way in the development of their work in this interdisciplinary field by lack of funds?
§ Mr. FreethI do not think that the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is capable of a straightforward Yes "or" No "answer, because the worth-whileness of an individual project must always have a subjective element in the decision.