§ 13. Lieut.-Colonel Cordeauxasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what facilities are available within the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to help in the design of hydraulic machinery which can efficiently be used in hydro-electric pump-storage schemes.
§ Mr. H. NichollsFor this purpose the National Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has installed special rigs for testing pump models, up to 300 h.p., very accurately over a wide range of working conditions, including those met with in pump-storage schemes.
§ Lieut-Colonel CordeauxIs my hon. Friend sure that industry is making proper use of these important facilities?
§ Mr. NichollsYes, I think so. Indeed, nine firms have taken advantage of this rig, and everything points to the fact that the results they have obtained will encourage more people to do so.
§ Mr. WoodburnAre we to take it that this is something new, or is it an improvement on what has been contemplated in connection with the hydro-electric pump-storage scheme at Loch Sloy? Are we to take it as certain that the very latest methods will be employed in connection with this scheme?
§ Mr. NichollsI think that this is rather an improvement on the past. Although I would not like to be held to it in answer to a supplementary question, I do not think there is anything specifically new about it. But a lot of thought has been given to the provision of test equipment 10 to avoid waste of electricity in off-peak periods. Those pumps may be used in a process which has been explained to the House in the past.