§ 2. Mr. GORDON MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines what action has been taken, or is likely to be taken, by the Government in order to encourage the making of oil from British coal in this country?
§ Mr. SHINWELLFor some years past the Government have spent a considerable sum of money each year on research work at the Fuel Research Station in connection with low-temperature carbonisation and hydrogenation of coal and coal tar oils, and full information in regard to this work is contained in the report of the Fuel Research Board issued quite recently. Tests have been and are being carried out by the Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry on fuels produced in this country from coal. I am again considering whether there is anything further that the Government might usefully do in order to expedite the development of these processes.
§ 3. Mr. MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of British coal used in this country in the process of extracting oil during each of the last three years ended 31st December, 1930?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAt present no plant is being operated in this country on a commercial basis primarily for the extraction of oil from coal. Coal tar and coal tar oils are obtained as by-products in the carbonisation of coal at gas works, by-product coke ovens and low-temperature carbonisation works. In addition, benzol is obtained from the gas produced at a large number of these works, and smaller quantities in the process of distilling the tar. I gave such information as is available of the quantity of coal carbonised at these works in reply 961 to a question asked on the 3rd March by my hon. Friend the Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Rosbotham). I will send a copy of this answer to my hon. Friend.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes my hon. Friend's answer include the oil extracted from Scottish shales?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo; I think it refers to coal exclusively.