Institution Notes

A personal view, intended to stimulate discussion, of the present position of corrosion prevention in the construction industry, mainly in the field of protective coatings, suggests that adequate solutions exist for most requirements, so that corrosion is a non-problem in the technical sense. There is, however, a need for greater consideration of existing knowledge at the design stage and better appreciation of the economics of protection; for more materials specifications to supplement the practice codes, and for more rigorous specifying of preparation and application methods with adequate inspection while the work is in progress.

A brief account is initially given in the paper of the history of the site, and the planning requirements which led to the decision to lift the buildings. J. Charge

Looking back over the past twenty years 1 have been disappointed to find in myself no evidence of any burning ambition, no singleness of purpose in my activities. My interest in structural engineering, in the Institution, in safety, in education and in training has developed almost by accident-happy accidents, nevertheless, as I find these topics fascinating and absorbing. Within these subjects, I will endeavour to underline policy decisions which must be taken both inside and outside the Institution and to suggest that the safe route may not be the best to take, the secure position may not be the wisest to hold, the preservation of the status quo may not be in the public interest. In every case, however, the question in the title of my address will remain unanswered. Kenneth Severn