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present time engaged in éstablishing a minimum standard of 
quality for moulded rubber hot-water bottles. These articles con- 
tain no fabric re-inforcement and depend entirely upon the strength 
of the rubber. 
127. A Committee of rubber technicians is also conferring with 
the Technical Co-ordinating Committee on Government Supplies 
for the purpose of arriving at a specification in regard to types of 
rubber to be supplied to Government Supply Departments. This 
technical co-ordinating committee is composed of representatives 
of the Admiralty, the Air Ministry, the War Office and the General 
Post Office. It has under consideration the reduction of the 
varieties of grades of rubber manufactured products to five types. 
Negotiations are well advanced, and it is hoped that, in the very 
near future, all United Kingdom Government Supplies will be based 
on the specification that may be agreed. Steps are also being taken 
in the direction of standard specifications for rubber proofing in 
connection with Balloon Fabric, and for rubber flooring. Com- 
mittees have been formed in connection with ebonite and hard 
rubber goods, for the purpose of drawing up specifications for 
(1) rubber employed in panels for wireless, and (2) for hard rubber 
used for electrical insulating purposes. 
128. These attempts at standardisation form a starting point 
for investigation into the many directions in which a greater 
uniformity of practice is both possible and desirable. 
129. The general question of standardisation of rubber goods 
has probably received more attention in the United States than 
elsewhere. The United States Bureau of Standards has standard- 
ised 71 specifications covering amongst other articles rubber pack- 
ing, hot water bottles, rubber cement, rubber hose, matting and 
gloves. 
130. The recognition throughout the Empire of common 
standards and specifications for the same goods would exercise a 
potent influence on the growth of Inter-Imperial trade, quite pro- 
bably more important in many cases than preferential tariffs. The 
subject therefore, difficult though it be, has results far beyond 
the simplification of factory practice. 
XXVIIL.—MINIMUM PRICES—STANDARD COSTIN G 
SYSTEM. 
131. Standardisation of articles must almost inevitably lead to 
the adoption of standard methods of costing. In the absence of 
accepted standard specifications there is a definite temptation for 
manufacturers to adjust the proportions of their rubber mixtures 
to meet the price desired. The existence of a hall mark which 
would be affixed to articles conforming to agreed standards of 
quality ‘and price would protect customers against inferior quality. 
Standard- 
sation in 
the United 
States. 
Influence of 
standard- 
isation on 
[nter- 
Imperial 
trade. 
Agreed 
prices for 
minimum 
standard 
qualities