HC Deb 18 March 1959 vol 602 c384
21. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent research is being conducted into the dispersal of fog over small areas by the Meteorological Office; which areas are subject to his research; whether it is proving successful; and what funds have been allocated to this task in his Estimates for 1959–60.

Mr. Neave

The research is concerned with the possibility of extracting moisture from the air over very limited areas by spraying with a chemical solution. Preliminary calculations have been made and laboratory trials completed: field trials, covering an area of about 30,000 square yards, have been held at Cardington. They have shown some promise.

The cost of materials for small-scale trials amounts only to about £100, and no special financial provision has therefore been made for them.

Mr. Mason

Does not this seem a niggling amount for research work required in this field? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that more should be done in view of the many accidents and deaths which take place and the loss of productive effort we suffer year after year? What more does he contemplate is to be done in the current year than was done last year to expedite this research?

Mr. Neave

I know it sounds a small amount, but it is in fact sufficient for the particular trial we are carrying out. These experiments by the Meteorological Office are not held up by lack of resources. In any case, I should make it clear that they are in the early stages only and other tests will be needed before we can judge what possibilities they offer.

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