§ 7. Mr. SHINWELLasked the President of the Board-of Trade whether he is aware that in Germany 53 of the leading coal and allied undertakings' have co-operated in a scheme to cover the country with arterial pipes for conveying gas over long distances for the use of industrial consumers; and whether the Government contemplate taking action to encourage and assist financially similar schemes in this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am aware that gas is conveyed by pipe lines over considerable distances in Germany, and that there are proposals for further extending the system there. On the 1561 recommendation of the National Fuel and Power Committee an investigation is now being made by a Committee, of which Sir Alexander Walker is the Chairman, into the possibilities of a similar system of gas distribution in particular areas of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill that Committee report soon?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt has only just started its work, but I am sure that it will not delay. We want a complete investigation, and it is no good asking the Committee to hurry unduly.