§ 31. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary for Mines how much progress is being made in extracting oil from coal; and how much is being done to encourage experiments in low-temperature carbonisation and other methods?
§ Commodore KINGThere are now five plants, each designed for a throughput of 100 tons a day or more, in working order in this country, representing at least five different processes for the low-temperature carbonisation of coal. There are some six or eight further systems represented by plants with a capacity of 10 tons a day or over. These include the type developed at His Majesty's Fuel Research Station, of which a 100-ton a day plant is being erected by the Gas Light and Coke Company. Large commercial plants of several of the other systems are stated to be under erection. The results obtained from these plants during the next few years should show how far, and under what conditions, each type is likely to be a commercial success. I would refer the hon. Member also to the recently issued Annual Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and to the answer of the President of the Board of Education to the hon. Member for Springburn (Mr. Hardie) on 1st December last.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information as to the kind of coal that is being used for this low temperature carbonisation, whether it is non-coking coal or the ordinary small coal?
§ Commodore KINGI should require notice of that question.