HC Deb 06 March 1947 vol 434 cc95-6W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the disadvantages, examples of which have been submitted to him, suffered by British scientists and doctors occasioned by the paper shortage which cuts down scientific articles, the electricity cuts which have dislocated the publication of scientific and medical journals, the interference with research, consequent upon shortage of apparatus and, recently, the mortality amongst experimental animals due to the impossibility of warming animal houses; and if he will take measures to mitigate these handicaps.

Mr. Shinwell

I regret the interference with the activities of scientists and doctors which has inevitably resulted from the electricity cuts. Ever since the cuts were imposed an Inter-Departmental Committee has been sitting daily to ensure that inconvenience or loss should be reduced to a minimum and consent was in fact given to the use of electricity to keep alive animals and cultures of scientific value.