asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what is the shortage of staff in the Chemical Research Laboratory: and what steps are being taken to deal with it.

At present there are 12 staff vacancies at the Chemical Research Laboratory. Nine of these are expected to be filled in the near future and steps are being taken to recruit the remaining three through the Civil Service Commission.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, the number of the present establishment at the Chemical Research Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research; and the number 12 months ago.

The present establishment at the Chemical Research Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is 193, made up of 159 non-industrial and 34 industrial staff. The corresponding number in July, 1953, was 184, made up of 153 nonindustrial and 31 industrial staff.