HC Deb 22 July 1942 vol 382 cc37-8
58. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Minister of Supply the membership of the Synthetic Rubber Committee?

Sir A. Duncan

Mr. F. W. Bain, the Chairman of the Chemical Control Board of the Ministry of Supply, is Chairman of the Synthetic Rubber Committee.

The members of the Committee are:

Sir Edward V. Appleton, K.C.B., D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S., of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Dr. J. W. Armit, B.Sc., Ph.D., the Director-General of Explosives at the Ministry of Supply.

Sir Robert Robinson, D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S.,. The Waynflete Professor of Chemistry, at Oxford, and

Dr. F. Roffey, B.Sc., Ph.D., A.I.C., the Controller of Chemical Research at the Ministry of Supply.

Sir H. Williams

Can the Minister say if this Committee is to organise the manufacture of synthetic rubber in this country?

Sir A. Duncan

It is not to organise the manufacture of synthetic rubber; it is to investigate possible methods of manufacture.

Sir H. Williams

As the Minister of Production has decided that synthetic rubber is not to be made in this country, why have the Committee to find out how it can be made?

Sir A. Duncan

A scientific study has to be done ahead, and I am glad that it is being done.

Sir H. Williams

But has there not been a decision not to do it?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir.