Inquiry Into Research Organisation

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 10

Inquiry Into Research Organisation

Six months have elapsed since the Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Mr Tennent) announced the Government’s intention to inquire into the organisation of scientific research. Whether initial reference of this matter to the Royal Commission on State Services is the proper procedure may be questioned, if only because a worth-while inquiry must cover institutions and arrangements far beyond the defined field of the commission’s scrutiny. Without any additions to its burdens the Royal Commission already faces a daunting task. Originally it was understood that the Cabinet committee on Government administration would settle the form of a specific research inquiry and its agenda; now the Royal Commission is to determine whether such an inquiry should be held, and if so what form it should take.

Having delayed so long, the Government should at least request the Royal Commission to submit an

interim report reasonably soon, even if that means some slight delay in the investigation of other State activities. Nobody should doubt the wisdom of ensuring the most efficient and most economical use of scientific resources in a small country that has lagged badly in its provision for original research. The merits of an independent investigation, preferably by a committee including overseas experts, cannot be urged too strongly. As Mr Tennent has emphasised, the answer to the Dominion’s problems will not lie solely in improved salaries for scientists. Expenditure on a review which could reduce wasteful duplication of effort and improve organisation generally will be money well spent, even during a tune of financial restraint.