12. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the Secretary for Mines if he has any statistics as to the horse power which is generated in land power stations and elsewhere in Great Britain by means of pulverised coal; and what steps he has taken to encourage the use of such methods and fuel as opposed to imported foreign oil?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI have no statistics of the horse power generated in indus- 191 trial undertakings in this country by means of pulverised coal, but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT information regarding pulverised coal installations in this country. As regards the second part of the question, research work is being carried out on pulverised coal at the Fuel Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
§ Following is the information:
§ The information available in my Department indicates that there are 29 electrical power stations, 28 colliery undertakings and 25 other large industrial establishments using pulverised coal for steam raising purposes. The electrical power stations mentioned used about 700,000 tons of pulverised coal during the year ended 31st March, 1930, which represented about 7.7 per cent. of the total quantity of coal and coke used at all electrical power stations. There are also some industrial concerns which use pulverised coal for purposes other than steam raising, but I have no detailed information as to numbers or fuel consumption.
40. Captain EVANSasked the President of the Board of Trade if His Majesty's Government will, in the interest of the British coal trade, before granting financial assistance of any kind for the partially-built giant Cunard vessel, make it a condition that it shall be fitted with water-tube boilers which can burn either pulverised fuel or oil; and if the Government will encourage by all means in their power similar systems being employed in all new ships?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The hon. and gallant Member's assumption as to financial assistance is unfounded and in these circumstances the first part of the question is hypothetical. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Government are kept informed of the experiments which are being made in the use of pulverised fuel on board ships.
Captain EVANSDo I understand that the Board of Trade have not been approached by this company to render financial assistance of any kind whatever?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere has been no direct approach made to the Board of Trade.