National Chemical Laboratory

HC Deb 18 November 1958 vol 595 cc986-7

10. Mr. Kirk

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, in what circumstances research workers from industry can use specialised research equipment at the National Chemical Laboratory.

Mr. H. Nicholls

Subject to the stipulation that its own research programme is not unduly interfered with, the laboratory is always ready to consider how its resources of equipment and knowledge of special techniques can be made use of by other scientists from industrial laboratories.

Mr. Kirk

Can my hon. Friend say how many factories make use of these facilities at the moment?

Mr. Nicholls

During the last two years research workers from seven organisations have spent in all ninety days carrying out experiments using special high pressure and temperature equipment in the laboratory, and it is expected that this use will grow.