§ 14. Mr. Pavittasked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science to what extent the Medical Research Council limits its subjects for research to those for which he is certain that the questions investigated have adequate answers.
§ Mr. HoggNone, Sir. It is not my policy to interfere in the decisions taken by the Council in matters calling for scientific judgment.
§ Mr. PavittIs the Minister aware of the distress his Answer of 21st January caused to many people who are keenly concerned about the growing problem of smoking and the motivation of young people? Does he recall that he then made a categorical statement that unless there was some possibility of adequate answers being found there was no point in pursuing this research? That is a wholly unscientific attitude for a Minister for Science to adopt. Is he influencing the Council on these lines? If so, should he not seek to change his position?
§ Mr. HoggIf the hon. Member will look again at what I said, he will see that I said nothing of the kind.
§ Mr. PavittI have it here.