HC Deb 01 February 1955 vol 536 cc82-3W
59. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what research has been undertaken by the Directorate of Scientific and Industrial Research into the preparation of pure metals on a commercial basis; and what progress has resulted.

Mr. Bevins

Iron, gallium and germanium have been prepared on a small scale in a high state of purity in the laboratories of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Research is now in progress both on the preparation of pure chromium, indium, antimony and the rare earth metals and on the further purification of iron and gallium. The results are available to industry for translation on to a commercial scale.

60. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what resources of staff and finance are being devoted to increasing the nation's supply of germanium.

Mr. Bevins

I cannot say precisely what is the total of resources and staff which is at present engaged on increasing our supply of germanium. Since work is being carried out both by Government Departments and by industry, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has set up a working party to co-ordinate research.