§ 57. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how much money was, approximately, spent by the Admiralty on experiments on oil fuel research prior to the introduction of oil-burning ships into the Navy?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)The cost of this experimental work was spread over so many Navy Votes that I am afraid it would not be possible to give a reasonable estimate without a detailed investigation of the records covering many years. This would entail an expenditure of time and money which, I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree, would not be justified.
§ Commander BELLAIRSShould I be right in assuming that very large sums 2051 have been spent on the introduction of oil fuel, and that not one penny is being spent on re-establishing the use of coal?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMWe are always anxious to do all that we can to help the coal industry, but we are satisfied at present that we are perfectly well suited with oil.
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the proved success of pulverised coal, and the fact that the coal industry is languishing, is it not the duty of the Admiralty to explore every avenue in this direction?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI have already answered a good many questions on that subject. The Admiralty are not in possession of large sums of money with which they could do this experimental work when they are already satisfied with what they have.
§ Mr. PALINGWould it cost a very large sum of money to convert one particular ship from oil to pulverised coal in order to experiment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI have said that we are perfectly willing to provide such a ship for those who are making these experiments.