§ 4. Mr. HARDIEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increased use of internal combustion engines, he will take measures for the production of such fuel in this country?
Mr. WEBBThe Government is taking a leading part in the research which is taking place on this subject, and l would refer my hon. Friend to the reports of the Fuel Research Board issued by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Moreover, particular attention is being devoted, both by Government and by private interests, to the carbonisation of coal at low temperature, but it would be premature to say that the technical and economic problems involved have been completely solved.
§ Mr. HARDIEHaving read all the reports, and more than that, studied them, and being familial with all that has been done in the way of research on the question, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is now prepared, in view of the fact that the price of petrol is being increased—not because it, is scarce—and in view of the fact that more and more every day we are dependent upon these 713 other supplies of fuel, he will now get the Government to begin manufacturing at once?
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLESpeaking from an unaccustomed place where one's silvery tones may yet be heard in the House, is it not well that the Government should leave the production of internal combustion fuel or any other kind of fuel to those whose business it is to produce it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe last question is in the nature of an argument.