§ 42. Mr. TOM SMITHasked the Lord President of the Council if he can make a statement with regard to the research schemes into the hydrogenation of tar oils and coal decided upon by the late Government?
§ Mr. S. BALDWINIt has been decided to proceed with these schemes. Some modifications in the detailed arrangements have been determined upon, but these, while enabling some saving in capital costs to be made, will in no way alter the essential features of the scheme nor prejudice the value of the results it is hoped to obtain from the experiments.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not the case that schemes have been considerably slowed down, and that, instead of the installation of the necessary plant being proceeded with immediately, it is only to be done over a period of years?
§ Mr. BALDWINIf the hon. Member wishes for more detailed information than I have given, and will put down a question, I shall be very pleased to answer it.
§ Mr. GEORGE HARDIEMay I ask what is being done on the experimental side so far as the hydrogenation process is concerned, and whether it is not now being operated on something approaching a commercial scale?
§ Mr. BALDWINIt is quite obvious that I must ask that that, question should be put down.