§ 57. Sir W. Wakefieldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the expenditure of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in terms of the 1949 price level, was during 1952–53,£4,360,000, as against 1951–52,£4,523,000 and 1950–51,£4,410,000; and whether he will give an assurance that the increased funds to be made available for this department in future years will be sufficient to enable the expenditure of the department to be in excess of the expenditure during recent years, after adjustment for increased prices since 1949–50.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am not sure on what basis my hon. Friend's figures are calculated, but I agree that there may62W have been some slight fall in real expenditure in 1952–53. However, the 1953–54 Estimates for the Department provide for an increase in expenditure of about£400,000 over the 1952–53 level. My right hon. Friend is, of course, aware of the vital work done by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the House will wish to know that a general understanding has been reached between the Department and the Treasury which, subject to certain necessary reservations, in particular to this House voting the necessary funds, provides for the gradual expansion of the Department's activities over the next five years.