| Title | Letter from W.A Benton, Benton's Patent Limited, 5 Grosvenor Chambers, Broad Street Corner, Birmingham, to The Secretary, Research Department, The Royal Society, Burlington House, London |
| Description | Expresses gratitude for the support regarding the exemption from military service for their Research Chemist, Mr. Harold Wilson. Reminds the Royal Society that their application was based on their engagement in a complex and costly research project related to utilising organic trade wastes and sewage sludges. States that remarkable results have been made and draws attention to several points:
1. Experimental Limitations: They have reached the limits of experimentation possible with laboratory apparatus and require a one-unit demonstration plant to continue testing on a working scale.
2. Government Regulations: Due to current government regulations, they cannot proceed with constructing the necessary plant or obtaining parts without certificates from the Priority Department of the Ministry of Munitions.
3. Support from the Royal Society: Explains that they have been informed by the Ministry of Munitions that obtaining the necessary certificates would be facilitated by the Royal Society expressing an opinion that the investigation is likely to lead to results of national importance or utility.
4. No Monetary Grant Requested: Emphasises that they are not seeking any financial grant but only permission to continue their important investigation.
5. Previous Society Support: References previous support from the Royal Society for Mr. Harold Wilson's exemption from military service, highlighting the research's national importance.
6. Collaboration with "British Dyes": Mentions a request from "British Dyes" for further samples, which they cannot fulfill without a demonstration plant.
Appeals to the Royal Society for assistance in obtaining the necessary certificates and emphasises the significance of their research for the chemical industry. Stresses the urgency, as he has been unable to obtain government facilities for several weeks and hopes for prompt assistance from the Royal Society. |