Mr. G. Wilsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent research stations of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research undertake scientific services for industry; how far these services are free; how far they are on repayment; and how the charges are assessed.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe Research Stations of the D.S.I.R. are willing to give information to and undertake suitable test work and special-investigations162W for bona fide inquirers in so far as the resources of the Station permit.
Normally no charge is made for answers to inquiries bearing on the results of the Station's researches, although a charge may be made when answers cannot be given from immediately available information, or where the information supplied is particularly valuable.
Unless otherwise agreed, the Department retains ownership of the results of tests and investigations and the charge made is the full cost of the work. In special cases work may be undertaken co-operatively and costs may be shared. On the other hand, if work is undertaken on a confidential basis, the ownership of the results being retained by the sponsoring body, a higher charge is made.
Standard test fees have recently been increased to bring them into line with the present cost of the services.