HC Deb 06 May 1918 vol 105 cc1851-2
24. Captain BARNETT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many modified plants for the distillation of petroleum from cannel coal are now in operation at gasworks in Great Britain; and what production has been obtained to date?

Mr. KELLAWAY

It is not desirable in the public interest to give details of production, but it may be stated definitely that gasworks in Great Britain are either now modified or in process of modification to enable all the cannel coal which is known to be available to be carbonised for the production of oil. For the information of the hon. Member it may be stated that the process so far has been an unqualified success and the results are even better than were expected.

Captain BARNETT

How many plants are there in operation? That is the question.

Mr. KELLAWAY

The answer I have given is that we have now either in. operation or arranged for sufficient plants for all the cannel coal available. I cannot give the definite figure.