§ Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Technology (1) what research projects are 6W being undertaken at the Explosives Research and Development Establishment at Waltham Abbey which may have non-military applications;
(2) what steps he has taken to induce industrialists to take advantage of research carried out at the Explosives Research and Development Establishment at Waltham Abbey for non-military purposes.
§ Mr. FowlerThe Explosives Research and Development Establishment is primarily concerned with defence research, but some aspects of its work, especially on non-metallic materials, have civil potential. Examples are: fibre-reinforced composite materials, studies aimed at improving the durability of rubbers and plastics, and research of sealants and adhesives.
Work of civil interest has been publicised to industry in a variety of ways including the issue of a booklet detailing the activities and facilities of the Establishment, the appointment of an industrial liaison officer to act as a link with industry, and participation in the Interlab scheme. Reports are provided to the Reports Centre of the National Lending Library and about 40 papers a year on various aspects of the Establishment's work are published in scientific and technical journals. E.R.D.E. recently welcomed representatives from industry to its Open Day.