HC Deb 15 June 1910 vol 17 cc1317-8
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that acetone is indispensable as a solvent in the process of manufacture of cordite, gun cotton, and other Government explosives, he will state what is the available supply at present in this country; to what extent, and where, is it being manufactured in Great Britain; what proportion of the supply required for naval and military purposes is derived from other, and what, countries; and whether, in the event of war with any of these countries, the Government are satisfied that an adequate supply can be obtained and maintained from other, and, if so, what sources.

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

It must not be assumed that acetone is indispensable in the manufacture of cordite. It would not be to the public interest to give the particulars asked for, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the subject is constantly in view and that adequate steps have been taken to secure a sufficient supply of acetone for an emergency. There is no present intention of starting a Government factory.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Are we to assume from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that cordite can be manufactured without the use of acetone?

Mr. HALDANE

Yes. There is what is known as the wet process which is adopted by some of the manufacturers whom we employ. We use acetone in Government factories because it is very convenient, but we are not by any means absolutely dependent upon it.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Has any of the cordite which has passed a satisfactory test for naval service been made without acetone?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not wish it to be taken as a final answer, but very strong impression is that a large quantity made by the wet process has been used.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Do the right hon. Gentlemen and the Government realise the intense importance of this matter?

Mr. HALDANE

Yes, of course.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

Is cordite made without acetone as satisfactory as cordite made with acetone?

Mr. HALDANE

There is a great controversy as to which is the better process. At Waltham the acetone process is the one we use, and we have a large reserve of acetone, but we are not dependent on that process. We can make it without acetone. Cordite is made by certain of the leading manufacturers by what I have described as the wet process.