§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the longest and shortest time taken by the National Physical Laboratory to calibrate load measuring devices; and how this compares with the position one year and two years earlier.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe time taken to calibrate load measuring devices depends upon the type of test required. Currently the shortest time is two weeks and the longest time is 23 weeks. These figures have not changed significantly during the past two years. The National Physical Laboratory is making every effort to reduce the time taken to carry out calibrations.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many employees of the National Physical Laboratory are 276W currently engaged either wholly or mainly on work in connection with the calibration of load measuring devices; and how this compares with the position one year and two years earlier.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe number is now the equivalent of six whole-time staff. One year ago it was six-and-a-half and two years ago it was eight-and-a-half.