HC Deb 05 May 1919 vol 115 c555
6. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many gas undertakings are supplied with gas-scrubbing apparatus; and whether, in view of the great value to industry of producing a larger supply of benzol in this country, lie will take steps to ensure that all gas undertakings are fitted up with such plant at an early date?

Sir A. GEDDES

I understand that of the 1,577 gas undertakings in the United Kingdom 186 installed oil-washing plants and 600 tar-washing plants for the production of benzol. The Board of Trade have no power to compel gas undertakings to provide themselves with such plant.

7. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could now state the result of the investigations of the Fuel Research Committee with regard to the production of benzol; and, if not, when will the Committee's Report be issued?

Sir A. GEDDES

The Report dealing with this and cognate subjects has been published as a Parliamentary Paper (Command No. 108).