§ 22. Mr. W. Griffithsasked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, whether the Government will now assume financial responsibility for the remaining sum owing on capital cost, and also pay a part of the annual cost of upkeep for the Manchester University's radio-telescope at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, in view of the increasing use of this apparatus being made by an allied Government.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere is no sum now owing on the capital cost of the radio-telescope. The Government are not prepared to increase their contributions towards the cost. The Government already contributes substantially to the cost of upkeep of the telescope and any applications which may be made for further grants for research involving its use will continue to be dealt with on their merits by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.