HC Deb 21 March 1928 vol 215 cc356-7
10. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what experiments his Department has made with pulverised coal fuel; how the thermal efficiency compares with that of oil; and whether, in view of the desirability of using home-produced in preference to imported fuel, he contemplates converting oil-fired ships to burn pulverised coal?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on 17th February, the Admiralty have made no experiments with pulverised fuel. I am not clear as to what information is desired in regard to the second part of the question, but, if the hon. Member wishes to know the relative calorific values of coal and oil for steam-raising purposes, they are in the ratio of 19.5 to 14.5. The reply to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. PALING

In view of recent experiments which have proved the high percentage of efficiency of this fuel, and in view of the parlous state of the mining industry, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be a good thing to experiment in the Navy with this fuel in order to use coal?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

If the hon. Member will refer to the answer of 17th February, he will see that we are watching these experiments very carefully with a view to finding out whether they are of any use to the Admiralty. When the hon. Member reads that answer, he will see that the stage has not arrived at which the fuel would be of any use.