§ 25. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the development that has been effected in the process of low-temperature carbonisation of coal, he will consider obtaining assistance for its commercial development, either through the safeguarding of industries scheme or by some other means, in order to improve the state of our coal trade and to secure a home supply of oil to meet our national requirements?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fox)I cannot add anything at present to what was said yesterday on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. PALINGHas the hon. and gallant Member any knowledge whatever of any firm in this country having made any
§ application for assistance in any shape whatever to develop this low-temperature carbonisation process?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXYes. There have been two cases already before the Trades Facilities Committee, but I have not heard the actual and final result.
§ Mr. PALINGMay I understand from the hon. and gallant Member that in all cases where this application is made it will be given his favourable consideration?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXReally the answer to that must depend on the application that is made. I cannot reply to that until I know what is the application.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the process of low-temperature carbonisation has gone far 2205 enough now to warrant him recommending that these people should be helped in the development of it?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXIt depends on the process to which the hon. Member is referring. There are various processes, in various stages of development, and any help we can give to these processes I certainly hope will be given.