§ Mr. Markhamasked the Lord Privy Seal when a reply will be sent to a letter sent three weeks ago from the Parliamentary Science Committee urging that a biologist should be added to the personnel of the camouflage experimental section; and what action does he propose to take?
§ Sir J. AndersonI received this letter on the 12th July, and replied to it on the 31st July. As I explained in my reply, I do not propose, as at present advised, to attach a biologist to the Camouflage Research Station. I am, however, setting up an Advisory Committee to which I propose to refer questions of scientific principle affecting camouflage, and I have invited a biologist to serve on this committee.
§ Sir J. Graham Kerrasked the Lord Privy Seal whether in view of the fact that the full effectiveness of war camouflage is dependent upon definite scientific principles, he is now prepared to place camouflage in all four public services under the supervision and control of a competent scientific director?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs I informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question on the 10th May, the Camouflage Experimental Section, for which I have now assumed responsibility, is already available to give guidance to all Departments concerned with camouflage problems. So far as concerns executive work, however, my responsibility is confined to the camouflage of factories, mines and the premises of public utility undertakers, as contemplated by Section 45 of the Civil Defence Act. A special unit is now being formed to carry out this executive work; but I am also setting up an Advisory Committee, including independent persons of 2387W standing in the scientific world, to advise me on matters of general principle affecting camouflage.