HC Deb 05 July 1928 vol 219 cc1579-81
70. Mr. C. EDWARDS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that steps are being taken by coalowners, in conjunction with shipowners, naval architects, and engineers, to conduct experiments in the use of pulverised coal on merchant ships; and whether he will take steps to encourage these experiments in the mercantile services

the portrait of John Bull upon it, was sold in Bristol and not in Wales.?

Following is the table:

and anywhere else where power is required, with a view to reviving the coal industry?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The possibility of arranging for research into the use of pulverised fuel on board ship is now being explored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in conjunction with a number of coalowners, shipowners, naval architects and engineers.

Mr. EDWARDS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the authorities refused to allow experiments of this kind on board an old man-of-war, because they fear the success of the experiment when compared with oil, and will the President of the Board of Trade, as chief of the Mines Department, inquire into this matter?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am not aware of that fact. The hon. Member must address any question with regard to the action of the Navy to the First Lord of the Admiralty. He may rest assured that both under the Department of Scientific Research and throughout the ship-owning world every encouragement is being given to proceed with these experiments on the best possible commercial scale. We have already at sea a ship with a complete pulverising plant upon it.