§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what practical and financial assistance his Department is giving to encourage the use of rust-resistant paint and painting processes to preserve motor vehicles and other consumer durables; if he will take powers to make mandatory the use of anti-corrosive treatment on metals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David PriceWork on the general problems of corrosion, some of it directly related to motor vehicles, is being carried out at the National Physical Laboratory, which also offers an information and advisory service on the subject. Other 19W work in the development of corrosion-resistant materials and protective treatments is being supported by the Department through its grants to a number of research associations. The importance of the protection of metals against corrosion varies widely according to the nature of the product and is a matter best left to industry itself to judge in accordance with normal economic and commercial criteria. However, the Department is conscious of the need to encourage industry and consumers alike to become more aware of the economic benefits to be obtained from a better appreciation of the importance of the subject and is at present considering how best to focus attention on this.