Science and Reconstruction

Abstract

IN addressing the Manchester Joint Research Council on "Science and Reconstruction" on December 6, Sir John Anderson referred to his own early career to emphasize that a good grounding in natural science can be a passport to the higher Civil Service and that public administration does provide scope, apart from the professional or specialist grades, for men with a scientific training. Sir John associated himself with the view that the restoration of the economic life of Britain, and even the maintenance of pre-war standards of living, depends on building up our industries to a level of efficiency higher than ever before attained; and in support of this view he referred to some outstanding British technical achievements during the War to establish his contention that, while we have lagged behind in the past and men of science have to get rid of prejudice against applied science, the prognosis for the application of science in industry during the period of reconstruction is extremely favourable. Considering what is still needed, Sir John dealt first with the question of personnel. The output of scientific workers is below that which the real needs of the country demand, and too little was made of the importance of scientific and technical education during the passage of the Education Bill last year; indeed, the needs of industry may at first have to give way to those of the universities. Urging the importance of preparing a quantitative and qualitative estimate of future requirements of trained men and women, Sir John welcomed the appointment by the Lord President of the Council of a committee to deal with the question of scientific man-power and also pressed for accelerating the release from the Forces of trained men of science and students.