HC Deb 05 March 1929 vol 226 c194
33. Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Secretary for Mines whether an arrangement can be made for an extension of the activities of the fuel research station with a view to the production of oil from coal on a commercial scale, so that the station can become productive as well as experimental in its operations?

Commodore KING

No, Sir. It is considered that the main activities of the fuel research station should he devoted to providing authoritative technical information and data for the general benefit of the community.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is Government money to be expended solely for the purpose of assisting private enterprise, and is the community to gain no benefit from the operations of the Fuel Research Department?

Commodore KING

I think the general community do obtain benefit from the assistance of private enterprise.