§ 27. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps have been taken by his Department, or the Fuel Research Board, to provide facilities for the refining of crude oil derived from coal; whether he is aware that hardly any facilities exist for such purposes; and whether he is aware that crude oil derived from low-temperature processes is being poured away as waste?
§ Commodore KINGResearch into the nature of the tars derived from coal by low-temperature carbonisation and the methods of refining them is in progress at the Fuel Research Station and the Chemical Research Laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, but the provision of commercial facilities for refining crude oil is not for the Government to undertake. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, such facilities exist in many gasworks and tar distilleries. I am not aware that any appreciable quantity of crude oil derived from low-temperature processes is being wasted.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the hon. and gallant Member make inquiries of the Fuel Research Department to ascertain whether this wastage is taking place? I have information to that effect.
§ Commodore KINGI do not think that they will have the information. They are carrying out experiments.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDo I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer that the Fuel Research Department, who are under his control—
§ Commodore KINGNo.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWell, who are in touch with the Mines Department—I stand corrected—are not in touch with the various experiments now being conducted throughout the country?
§ Commodore KINGOh, yes, they keep in the closest touch, from the scientific point of view.