Biology (Research)

Oral Answers to Questions — Science – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 July 1961.

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Photo of Mr Edwin Wainwright Mr Edwin Wainwright , Dearne Valley 12:00, 18 July 1961

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for improving biological research.

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what are his proposals for implementing 'the recommendations contained in the Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, 1960, on taxonomy.

Photo of Mr Denzil Freeth Mr Denzil Freeth , Basingstoke

At the request of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, a Committee of the Royal Society is considering existing arrangements for supporting fundamental research in biology, and I am awaiting the outcome of its consideration.

Photo of Mr Edwin Wainwright Mr Edwin Wainwright , Dearne Valley

Are not the hon. Gentleman and his noble Friend delaying these matters instead of getting on with the job? The medical profession is doing excellent work in biological therapy, but is having to neglect certain research because of lack of finance. Will the hon. Gentleman again believe in the old adage that prevention is better than cure?

Photo of Mr Denzil Freeth Mr Denzil Freeth , Basingstoke

A very high standard of biological research is being carried on in a number of institutes and institutions, and it is not a bad thing to get a body of expert opinion such as the Royal Society to tell us where the gaps lie, if there are any.