§ 39. Mr. TOM SMITHasked the Lord President of the Council whether it is proposed to continue the research schemes into the hydrogenation of tar oils and coal decided upon by the late Government?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Stanley Baldwin)The schemes for research into the hydrogenation of tar oils and coal referred to by the hon. Member are at present under review together with other work of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in the light of the present economic situation.
§ Mr. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no modification with regard to this process, below what is necessary to obtain reliable results?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have taken the greatest possible interest in this matter. As I have said in reply to this question, all the work of scientific and industrial research is now under review. If the hon. Member will put down another question next week I can give him a definite and final reply.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the importance of these research proposals in relation to the position of the British coal industry?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have gone into this question long before the hon. Gentleman.