SCIENCE IN WAR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 178, 30 July 1942, Page 5

SCIENCE IN WAR

IS BRITAIN LAGGING?

Labour Peer's Queries In Debate

In House Of Lords

United Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 11.30 a.m. LONDON, July 29

An appeal for a greater use of scientific and inventive talent was made by Lord Strabolgi in the House of Lords. "Are we looking to the next developments of the war, in which whole armies will be carried by air with their supplies, transport and other equipment?" he asked. "We see the beginning of this in Russia, where the Germans are organising a flying train. Have we sur-

prises for the enemy when we open our second front, or will we proceed by the classical methods of landing from boats as in Nelson's day? "The American scientific world seems to be fully mobilised whereas, In Britain, anyone sending in a new proposal seems to be treated either as a crank or a criminal. I have been reliably informed that Constantinesco, the inventor of the synchronised firing mechanism for machineguns in planes in the last war, designed a motor torpedo-boat, capable of 200 miles per hour in a rough sea, and he could not get a hearing." Lord Snell, replying, said the Government encouraged and even pampered inventors. Three Supply Departments alone employed 4000 scientists directly. The Admiralty recognised the brilliance of Contantinesco's mind, but could not be expected to place orders for something of which he would not disclose drawings or details.

Regarding the suggestion for an airborne army, the Government was looking ahead. Resources for the equipment of airborne operations must be balanced with other requirements over the whole field of construction.