HC Deb 14 May 1957 vol 570 c203
26. Mr. Mawby

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what part the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has played in the Dutch experiment for de-salting sea water; and what financial contribution has been made to the cost of this research.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research provides the United Kingdom representatives on the International Steering Committee, which co-ordinates the research in the Netherlands on the de-salting of brackish and sea water.

The Department has made a contribution of approximately £4,700 in each of the last two financial years. The appropriate contribution for the current financial year is still under discussion.

Mr. Mawby

Can my hon. Friend say whether, if these experiments are successful, this country will be able to share in all the commercial advantages which will naturally arise?

Mr. Nicholls

Yes, Sir. The D.S.I.R. has fully participated in this research and will have a full share in all the benefits accruing from the experiments and in any equipment developed from them.