SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Evening Star, Issue 19328, 14 August 1926, Page 11

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

THE HEW ORGANISATION * PROVISION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS . [From Our I 1 acm a m ent ar v Reporter] WELLINGTON, August 13. Tho Bill setting up a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research was introduced in the House to-day, and read a first time, the Prime Minister explaining that it followed tho linos of Sir Frank Heath’s recommendations. The measure establishes a department of State charged with the maintenance and administration of scientific services and laboratories transferred to it, or created. It sltall advise the Government on all questions of policy relating to scientific matters which may be referred to it. The Advisory Council . will consist of tho chairman and not more than six members, not being officers of the Government, appointed by tho Governor-General for four years. The permanent secretary shall be entitled to speak, but not to vote. _ The council will bo required to submit, to tho Minister in charge an annual programme of work, with estimates; to make recommendations for grants for scientific research; and to advise the Government regarding the ‘scientific aspects of any proposal made by any department of State. With the approval of the Minister it may appoint committees to report on scientific matters. Members of tho council will be entitled to expenses and travelling allowances."

The Bill provides that all inventions, improvements, and discoveries made by officers of the Crown, or by persons in receipt of grants for scientific research, shall ho vested in the Crown, power being given to pay grants to inventors, as approved by Parliament. The department is authorised to charge such fees and agree to such conditions as it thinks fit for special investigations carried out at the request of any institution, firm, or person! The GovernorGeneral may, on the advice of the council, grant national research scholarships to graduates of the University of New Zealand, or other qualified persons, to enable them to carry out independent scientific research, and a duo proportion of such scholarships shall be for research in connection with New Zealand industries.