§ 49. Mr. Solleyasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the reduction or proposed reduction of scientific personnel in Government establishments and elsewhere indicate a lack of overall co-ordinated planning forscientific research work and will prejudice the operation of decisions of the Scientific Manpower Commission, he will arrange that no further redundancy notices will be issued until the Report of the Commission has been made and implemented.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am afraid that I cannot give the assurance for which my hon. Friend asks. The need for scientists in the universities and the teaching profession, and in civilian industry is so pressing that the Government would not be justified in delaying the release from Government service of any scientific worker whose retention is not absolutely essential. I understand that this view is likely to be in accordance with the recommendations of the Scientific Manpower Committee. The Ministry of Labour and National Service is actively engaged in seeing that the services of the scientists released are used in the best interests of the nation.