HC Deb 24 April 1928 vol 216 cc792-3
20. Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Secretary for Mines the terms of the contract arranged with the Gas Light and Coke Company in respect of scientific treatment of coal?

Commodore KING

The necessary plant for a three years' trial on a commercial scale is being erected at Richmond, on a site provided by the Gas Light and Coke Company, by a company formed for the purpose, known as the Fuel Production Company. The latter company have received a guarantee under the Trade Facilities Act in respect of a loan of £100,000. The Gas Light and Coke Company will act as managers for the Fuel Company and bear all the running expenses, and have an option to purchase the plant at the end of three years. Steps have been taken to safe- guard the public interest in any patents that may be taken out as a result of this experiment, and full details of the plant and of the results obtained will be made available. The hon. Member will find the matter more fully explained in a statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education on 11th May, 1927 (OFFICIAL REPORT, Cols. 507–14, Vol. 206).

Mr. SHINWELL

Can the Minister say why it is that when public money is involved, and it is proposed to render assistance to this private company, they should have the option of purchasing the plant outright at the end of three years? Is it not desirable to retain the plant in the hands of the Government?

Commodore KING

No, Sir, it is not Government money; it is money guaranteed under the Trade Facilities Act.

Mr. SHINWELL

But can the Minister say whether it is not true that Government servants, technicians and others, are to render service to the Gas Light and Coke Company in connection with the installation of this plant and its maintenance?

Commodore KING

I should like to have notice of that question, but, of course, the Fuel Research Board are taking a keen interest in this experiment.

Mr. SHINWELL

Can we have from the Minister a statement as to when there will be an opportunity afforded to this House to discuss this very important matter?

Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSON

Can the hon. Member inform us what earthly use the plant will be to the Government or in Government hands after the experiment?