The Opportunit y for Research. T HE ATTITUDE of the Government towards
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research, as indicated by the Report of the Committee of the Privy Council appointed to deal with this question,' is so encouraging and generous as to lead to the conclusion that the commercial motor industry, among others, ought certainly to avail itself of the offer now made. The idea is, that any industry forming a research association on approved lines can get the funds of that association as subcribed by its members supplemented by Government funds up to an equal amount. Moreover, the subscriptions of members to such association would be regarded as expenditure out of income. Were the money not so spent in research work, it would in most cases be liable to taxation not only under Income Tax but also as regards Excess Profits Duty. Probably some. 80 per cent, of it would thus go to the Government. The Government now offers to forgo this 80 per cent, if the money is spent on joint research. What this.amounts to is that out of 210 so spent by the manufacturer the Government really contributes about eight, and, further, puts down another 210 towards the cost of the work, thus bearing altogether some 90 per cent. of that cost. The position will, of course, be different when the taxation of excess profits ceases. But that time is not yet. We understand that the Committee of the Privy Council is making a strong move in the direction of the formation by manufacturers of a big research association to deal with all matters appertaining to internal-combustion engines. If this idea is exactly adhered to, it would, so to speak, split motor research into two sections—the engine and the rest of the chassis, for which separate associations or sections of associations would be necessary. This would be regrettable and, no doubt, is a difficulty that can be overcome. One possible course would be for the motor industry to form its own research association, and out of the funds of the latter to pay an agreed sum to the Internal-combustion Engine Research Association, participating in return in the privileges Of mem_ bership of the latter body. In matters of this kind, while prompt action is very necessary, hasty decisions must be scrupulously avoided. The whole organization of research associations, if it is to be complete, must be complex, and we ought to be very sure in the first instance that our sub-divisions are being made along the right lines; otherwise there may be very serious gaps in the whole structure. Thus, for_example, if commercial vehicle manufacturers merely join an internalcombustion engine research association they will have no common machinery for tackling research questions relating, for example, to frames, springs or wheels. It is very necessary that no such equivocal position should arise. Neither is it desirable, seeing that those manufacturers are already brOught together in a manufacturers' association, that a research association formed by the same people should be altogether separate from the existing body. Probably the requirements of the Committee Of the Privy Council in the matter of the articles of a research association make it impossible for the existing body without alteration to qualify for the Government grant. The alternatives appear to be, some change in the constitution of that body so as to make it eligible for the grant or the constitution of a research association by and affiliated to the existing manufacturers' association.
The Government and Mr. Edge. .
WE HAVE WAITED with some expectancy for a further .official reference. to. the' stipersession of Mr. S. F. Edge as Controller of the Agricultural. Machinery Department of the Ministry of Munitions. It seems to us that such a change, made without resignation on the part of the late Controller, and unaccompanied by any .stated valid reason, calls for explanation. It , could not have been that Mr: Edg'e was lacking in knowledge and experience either of agriculture or of motet' tractors, and !the importance of their part in any scheme connected with home food production: We cannot conceive that the change was decided upon and forced because of any lack' of ability or energy, for Mr. Edge possesses both qualities and brings one to bear upon the other as few men are capable of doing. We haVe it on the authority of the present Minister of Munitions that the change' is not due to any cause affecting Mr. Edge's probity or capacity. What, then, was the reason for the suggestion put to Mr. Edge, and urged, that he should tender his resignation, followed by the appointment of a successor?
To Mr. Edge's other characteristics is to be added that of fixity of purpose, and -he would be a bold man who would question his efficiency. It is conceivable that such a man might be a thorn: in the flesh in an official capacity where complacency would be regarded as a virtue. If the best has been and is being done in such a vital national matter as producing food from the soil of this country to ward off such a very real danger as that presented IV an imminent food shortage, we can .ccmceive of. no reason whatever why a frank explanation should not be made as to the actual reason for the change which has been brought about, as we are told, to ensure, " the smooth running arrangements . . . having regard to the various interests and Government departments concerned." If there has been a conflict of opinion, there is a right and a wrong in this matter, and it is for the authorities to give the "asktrance that the right his 4715 prevailed over the wrong. The subject is one that cannot be temporized with in view of the urgency of increasing home food production in the shortest possible time, and the vital importance of arriving at a clear elucidation of the position points to this as a question-for an impartial inquiry. Mr. Edge courts such an investigation, and honest public opinion will endorse his Claim.
Co-operation Among Coal-gas Equipment Manufacturers Needed.
IN OUR LAST ISSUE we reported that the opinions which we had already expressed to the effect that all the coal-gas fuel interests ought to group themselves, for their common protection, into some representative Committee or Association had alread,v found adherents up to a, point which has led to Ow constitution of a Joint Committee by bodies represee.tative of motor users and of gas producers. We wish to .point out that this committee cannot be really regarded as thoroughly comprehensive and complete unless it includes also the elected representatives of the rapidly-increasing body of manufacturers concerned in the production of gas containers, bags, and fittings. The committee will undoubtedly, from time to time, find itself in situations in which the advice of the manufacturer as to what is feasible and .practical will become very necessary. If the movement is impeded owing to inadequate supplies of material being made available for the manufacture of containers, it is inconceivable that the situation should be dealt with without the manufacturers concerned being given a say. They, and they only, know exactly what any restrictions in the supplies granted to them really involve in their effect upon output, and just what facilities must be granted if they are to be able to fill the requirements of the motor user. In certain respects it may be that the interests of the manufacturers and of the users may not fall exactly into line. Such a possibility renders it all the more necessary that the manufacturers, like the users, should be organized, so that the point in dispute could be settled by compromise at a meeting of accredited representatives of both sides.
In fine, the appointment of this joint committee ren ders, it, in our opinion, all the more necessary that manufacturers of coal-gas equipment should get together and form themselves into an association for their common protection and advancement. In the first instance, this might be a small body, but it would still be able to make itself felt, both individually and through its representation on the Joint Committee. We believe that in time it ,would grow_ into a body of great importance and large membership, headed by the pioneers of what is destined to be a great industry. Conceivably, in the long run it might find it advisable to recognize the insoluble connection between itself and the motor industry and to become a part of the motor manufacturers' association. Just for the present, at any rate, it would almost certainly be better advised to arrange for a totally independent existence. In our opinion, this decision would enable more rapid and immediately effective action to be taken. Only a very few weeks —fewer than would be occupied in the mere formalities preceding election to an existing body—at the most should be allowed to elapse before this group of manufacturers are officially represented on the Joint Coal-gas Committee. In the meanwhile the essential preliminary is that they should form their own organization.
And the Question of Patent Rights.
ANOTHER point in favour of this immediate development of an association of manufacturers of gas equipment is that questions with regard to the validity of patents and the proper acknowledgment that should be made to the earliest pioneers are almost certain to arise, and would be far better settled by amicable discussion among all those concerned than by having recourse to the lengthy processes of the law. The new industry upon which the economy and the very maintenance of our transport is now so much dependent must certainly not be allowed to be unduly hampered by exorbitant demands on the part of those who may be in a position to permit or forbid others to manufacture certain essential articles. At the same time, proper credit and an adequate financial reward are the just rights of those who have taken the risks that are always associated with the work of the pioneer.