HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 cc221-2
18. Mr. Braine

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps have been taken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to ensure that the research facilities available to the coil spring industry are adequate in relation to the facilities afforded for research on other forms of springing.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Coil Spring Federation Research Organisation, which is supported by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has recently completed plans for the construction of a new research laboratory in Sheffield to provide better facilities for research on the characteristics of springs and the materials used. It is hoped that ultimately all forms of springing will be investigated.

Mr. Braine

Is membership of this research organisation open to users as well as to manufacturers of springs? If the industry supports the organisation, can my hon. Friend indicate whether the Government will give the organisation further help?

Mr. Nicholls

I should like to give my hon. Friend a good answer on his birthday. The position is that, provided the industry raises £7,000 a year, the Government grant will be £4,000. Above those figures the Government will give £100 for every £100 subscribed by the industry, up to £4,000.

Mr. Braine

That is a very good answer.

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