The Shirley Institute, the Industry and Statistics

Abstract

THE Shirley Institute is the headquarters of The Cotton Silk and Man-made Fibres Research Association (CSMFRA), which was formed in 1961 by amalgamating The British Cotton Industry Research Association (BCIRA), founded in 1919, and The British Rayon Research Association (BRRA), founded in 1947. The BCIRA was established to serve the then Lancashire cotton industry, but as man-made fibres were introduced, that industry used them as raw materials and the research association extended its scope. The BRRA was formed because at the time it was thought that the needs of processors of man-made fibres needed to be catered for separately. As time went on, however, it became apparent that the RAs were overlapping, so the amalgamation was effected. Now, cotton, silk and all man-made fibres are dealt with. Wool, linen and jute have their own, separate, research associations. The CSMFRA serves primarily the processors of the fibreslargely the spinners, doublers and throwsters, weavers, and finishers (but not knitters), and membership covers substantially all the processors, anywhere in the United Kingdom, although most members are in Lancashire. In addition to the processors, merchant converters, textile machinists and man-made fibre producers are in full membership, and a restricted form of membership is enjoyed by some chemical manufacturers, starch manufacturers and other firms that have technical interests allied to those of the main industry. The CSMFRA is governed by a Council, and this has committees, notably a Research Committee and a number of Technical SubCommittees. All these bodies are comprised largely of people from the industry, although a few academic people are included in the Technical Sub-Committees. This system of government, operating through a system of reports, discussions, recommendations and authorizations, ensures that the work of the Institute is kept in line with the needs of the industry. It is the duty of the permanent staff to propose, develop and carry out the corresponding programmes. Although the Shirley Institute has close contacts with the industry, it is quite outside the management of any individual concern. It aims to produce results of general validity, widely applicable; and that leaves a good deal for the individual firms to do in making