HC Deb 26 March 1964 vol 692 cc187-8W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Lord President of the Council and Minister for Science why there is nearly a threefold increase in the subscription to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in 1964–65 compared with the present year; how many countries contribute towards its maintenance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hogg

There are thirty-nine states contributing to the cost of this Bureau. The subscription has been increased partly as the result of an increase in the running costs of the laboratory, and partly as the result of widening the scientific responsibilities of the Bureau. These now include amongst other things work on the standards of measurement for ionising radiations.