HC Deb 10 May 1966 vol 728 c189
4. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Technology what facilities he makes available to inventors with limited means to encourage the growth of inventions; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Peter Shore)

The National Research Development Corporation, operating with public funds, can and does assist the development of private inventions. With the increase in its resources under the Act of last year, it has been able to give more attention to private inventors.

Mr. Dempsey

Is my hon. Friend aware that many small inventors claim that they get no practical and reasonable assistance from this body? Does he not think that his Ministry should try to do all in its power to retain this initiative and genius for our country, as many small inventors are going east and west to our competitors?

Mr. Shore

The National Research Development Corporation is most anxious to assist such inventors. My hon. Friend will probably recall that it recently published a booklet—"Help For The Inventor"—designed especially to give to such inventors all the particulars of where and how the N.R.D.C. could best help them.

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