§ 32. Mr. Rossasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps he is taking to eliminate the financial difficulties that many science professors are experiencing in financing research.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethIn addition to substantial funds allocated by the universities, out of general university revenue, for the general support of scientific research, professors and other scientists of standing can obtain grants for promising researches from the Research Councils. The expenditure 147W of the Research Councils on such grants has risen from under £1 million in 1958–9 to about £4 million in 1962–3, and further increases are planned.
§ 44. Mr. Morrisasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware of the amount of time that has to be spent by leading scientists to obtain grants for research projects; and what action Departments for which Her Majesty's Government are responsible are taking to accelerate the making of such grants.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethYes, but I am also aware of the responsibility of the Research Councils to ensure that moneys voted by this House are wisely spent and that the needs of competing disciplines and projects are duly considered, I am assured that the Councils for which my noble Friend is responsible try to secure the quickest possible handling of applications for grants consistent with their responsibilities.