asked the Prime Minister if he will set up a Department under a new Minister for the purpose of encouraging, promoting, and financing inventions, especially by persons with limited means; and if he will make a statement.

No, Sir. One of the functions of the National Research Development Corporation, which operates with capital provided from public funds, is to assist the development of private inventions which would not otherwise be sufficiently exploited.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the mechanics of this process are unsatisfactory and very circuitous? Does not he realise that his own Government do not provide a single halfpenny, as a Government, towards this end? Is he aware that by the discouragement we give to inventors with limited means, we are driving them out of the country into the arms of our competitors all over the world? Is not it time that this process was halted and the ingenuity of British people retained for the good of the British nation?

As a matter of fact in answer to a Question today my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade makes a statement about the plans of the Government for extending the scope and scale of the work of the National Research Development Corporation. If the hon. Gentleman will look at that he will be more satisfied than he is now.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the work of the Institute of Patentees and Inventors which handles problem such as that raised by the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mr. Dempsey)? Does he realise that this organisation plays a valuable part in the exploitation of inventions and would he examine the possibility of the N.R.D.C. making available some financial help for this very efficient body?

I know of the part played by the body to which my hon. Friend refers. I will take note of the suggestion that it may be given some funds.