HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 cc2037-8
16. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will make avail- able immediately a copy of the statement regarding the absence of peat industries in Ireland which the Irish Department has prepared in the interest of the British coal trade for submission to the Industrial and Research Committee; whether this Committee comprises any person with knowledge of Irish bogs and desire for the utilisation of them; whether any such persons will be invited to give evidence or information before a decision is reached; and why has he not facilitated the testing of the heating power of peat-mixture bricks in a Government laboratory?

Mr. DUKE

The statement referred to was prepared for the Advisory Council of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and is at present under the consideration of their Fuel Research Board. Under these circumstances, it would not be proper to publish the statement. There is no foundation for the allegation that it has been prepared in the interests of the British coal trade. The Board is fully informed as to the various schemes which have been tried or proposed for the utilisation of peat in Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. I understand that arrangements are being made for a conference between the Fuel Research Board and representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question asking why he does not facilitate certain experiments and the testing of the heating powers of peat?

Mr. DUKE

This whole matter is under immediate attention by the Fuel Research Board to which I have referred. It is not for me to give directions.

Mr. GINNELL

What I want to know is whether the right hon. Gentleman will or will not enable me to test the heating power of a peat mixture which the Department have never seen, and know nothing about?

Mr. DUKE

If the hon. Gentleman brings to the Department—

Mr. GINNELL

No, I will present it to you, not the Department.

Mr. DUKE

If the hon. Member presents to me any product of peat which seems to require examination I can assure him it shall be looked at, and properly examined.