Notes

Abstract

FROM a White Paper published on July 10 we learn that among the Supplementary Estimates for the year ending March 31, 1919, is the sum of 1,000,000!. which is to be devoted through the Board of Trade to the purpose of assisting the dye-making industry. This is the first instalment of a total sum of 2,000,000!. to be provided in the shape of loans and grants to be spread over three years, and divided as follows:- 1,250,000!. in loans at not less than 1 per cent, above the Bank rate, with a minimum of 5 per cent., repayable in twenty years or earlier if the profits of the manufacturer are more than 9 per cent.; 600,000!. in aid of extensions of plant and buildings; and 150,000!. in grants in aid of research. It will be remembered that early in 1915 a grant of 1,000,000!. was made to one firm at Huddersfield, out of which was created the company known as British Dyes, Ltd. This, not unnaturally, created a feeling of dissatisfaction on the part of those dye-making firms which received nothing. The sum mentioned is to be distributed among these firms, besides the substantial amount allocated to the purposes of research. Presumably the 100,000Z. given for this purpose in 1915 has been spent, but it would be interesting to know how and by whom the money has been used and with what results, in view of the fact that the central research laboratory originally contemplated has never been erected, nor the Technical Committee announced in July, 1915, called into existence.