a perceived lack of hard evidence for its conclusions. He stated "its views are simply a series of assertions and, in view of the subject it was considering, such an unscientific approach is outstanding". Glanville considered that the problem with the RRL was that ministers did not direct the laboratory to carry out research in the appropriate areas prior to making policy decisions, he considered a solution would be to have an RRL representative involved in consultations at the policy-making stage. Glanville considered that the move to IRDA would further remove the RRL from policy-making and exacerbate the current problems. He was also concerned that separating the RRL further from government would reduce its standing with the local authorities and police forces and prevent the sharing of confidential information from these parties. He was critical of the proposal to bring the RRL under the MoT as it would involve a second layer of scientific staff working for the MoT who would need to interpret the output of the RRL for ministers, Glanville preferred that the RRL be directly consulted. He was also concerned that the RRL may not be able to preserve its objectivity and might be swayed by political pressure; separation of research from politicians, the so-called Haldane principle, had long been customary in Britain. Glanville was unable to present evidence to the Trend committee and there was an apparent political desire to abolish DSIR. In 1964 the Conservative Douglas-Home ministry stated that it would follow Trend's recommendations. When the Labour Wilson ministry came to power in October 1964 DSIR was dissolved and the RRL transferred to the MoT. The minister responsible, Tom Fraser made guarantees to Glanville that the RRL would "continue to function as a separate entity with proper safeguards for its scientific independence". The RRL was transferred between various government ministries and departments as a result of mergers until, under the Department for Transport, it was privatised in 1996 as TRL Ltd. The BRS followed a similar path until its privatisation, by management buy-out, as BRE Ltd in March 1997. Professional institutions Glanville was involved with many professional institutions and other bodies. He had many contacts abroad through his road research and chaired the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) committee which organised the biennial overseas conference. Glanville was elected President of the ICE in November 1950 and such was his popularity in that office that there