This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the practice and management of quality control in the chemical manufacturing industry. A questionnaire survey formed the first part of the investigation, which reveals that this sector of industry makes surprisingly low use of statistical quality control techniques. Information on the organization and operation of QC suggests that the industry has well documented analysis procedures and collects large volumes of data. It is pointed out, however, that statistically valid interpretation and use of this material, particularly in process control, is not prevalent.