§ 40. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary for Mines what amount of money was set apart in 1924 for the purpose of stimulating the activities of the Fuel Research Department; and how much of such money has been spent hitherto?
§ Lord E. PERCYI have been asked to reply to this question, on behalf of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. In 1924 the Government authorised the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to increase the annual expenditure on fuel research by a sum then estimated for 1925 at about £25,000, and for subsequent years at £35,004. The actual expenditure of the Department on fuel research was £48,145 in 1924, and £76,241 in 1925, an increase of £28,000. The expenditure for 1926 is estimated at from £92,000 to £102,000, a total increase of about £45,000 or more over the 1924 expenditure.
§ Mr. PALINGHave the experiments which have been carried out in low-temperature carbonisation reached such a stage as to become a commercial proposition, or to be likely to become a commercial proposition in the near future?
§ Lord E. PERCYThere is another question on the Paper in reference to that point.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Noble Lord aware that in the Debate last Tuesday the Minister of Health declared that no smokeless fuel suitable for domestic grates had been discovered after all this expense?