§ 14. Sir J. Barlowasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is satisfied that the Shirley Institute is adequate to the requirements of modern developments for the present-day needs of the cotton industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. NichollsYes, Sir. The British Cotton Industry Research Association—to give it its full title—provides an excellent example of progressive development and has achieved the confidence of industry and a high international reputation. My noble Friend has recently visited the Institute and is confident that the Council and Director of the Shirley Institute will continue to direct their programme of research effectively to those problems whose solution will be of the greatest benefit to the cotton industry.
§ Sir J. BarlowI thank my hon. Friend for his reply, but will he say what financial support the Government are giving to this Institute and whether it will be increased if the work of the Institute expands?
§ Mr. NichollsYes. The grant last year was £84,000 and some extra hundreds. If the industry contributes more, then, for every £100 extra from the industry, the Government will increase their grant by £50.