CUT IN RESEARCH VOTE CRITICISED

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31462, 31 August 1967, Page 6

CUT IN RESEARCH VOTE CRITICISED

Opposition speakers accused the Government in Parliament last night of promoting the brain drain of New Zealand scientists by denying them the necessary instruments and equipment for continued research. Speaking during debate on Estimates of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr C. J. Moyle (Lab. Manukau), said that although the Department’s vote was up on last year’s figures, the amount of money available for actual research work was lower. “It is an extremely false economy if the Government carries on with its niggardly attitude towards equipment for our scientists. “We are losing scientists because of the inadequate equipment available to them for carrying out research,” he said. The lack of research facilities, not low salaries, was causing New Zealand’s top scientists to leave for overseas, he said. Mr Moyle said that a New Zealand scientist with a knowledge of the New Zealand background was more valuable than an overseastrained scientist

He urged the Government to remedy the cramped conditions under which D.S.I.R. scientists were working. Mr R. J. Tizard (Lab, Pakuranga), said the department’s work would be hindered as a result of toe substantial cut in this year's vote for instruments and equipment. “Science and research has always been the waif of Government expenditure. “More money is being voted for salaries, yet toe equipment and instruments necessary for research are being denied. “This is limiting the effect of our country’s best brains, especially at a time when we should be using our resources to get the best return,” he said.

In reply, the Minister of Science (Mr Taiboys) agreed that New Zealand lost many scientists, but said this was countered by an influx of others. “As far as this brain drain is concerned. New Zealand does very well. We do better than some other countries,” he said.

“The last thing I would want to see is any dampening of the enthusiasm of young New Zealand scientists who want to go overseas.” The important thing was that scientists should have a deep interest in their work so that they might return to undertake more study in

their specialist fields later. Dr. A. M. Finlay (Lab, Waitakere), said scientists employed by toe Government should be put on the same footing, and enjoy the same conditions of service, that university scientists did.

“Reduced” Vote Mr M. A. Connelly (Lab., Riccarton), suggested that if the amount of money voted for increases in wages of employees of the D.S.I.R.—■ excluding scientific staff—was deducted from the total vote, this year’s vote would be less than the sum spent oh research last year. “Even administrative departments are getting higher votes this year while this department is in effect getting a reduced vote,” he said. The vote of $7,560,000 for 1967-69 (compared with $7,516,434 expended last year) was approved.