§ 14. Mr. ALEXANDER RAMSAYasked the Secretary for Mines if the method of reducing coal to oil by the process of hydrogenation can now be regarded as on a commercial basis; and if His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps to develop the use of this process in the interests of national economy?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTIt is claimed that at the present level of prices of petroleum products, and with the exemption from the duty on motor spirit which is granted to petrol made from indigenous sources, it would be possible in a large commercial sized plant to produce motor spirit from coal at a profit. Such a proposition obviously needs very close detailed examination. Consequently as regards the second part of the question, I am not able to add anything to what I said in my speech on the 3rd May during the Debate on the Mines Department Vote.
§ Mr. RAMSAYDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that, as a matter of high policy, the Government might give this matter their very early attention?
§ Mr. FOOTI can assure the hon. Member that attention is being given and has been given for some time past.
§ Mr. G. NICHOLSONCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the minimum amount of capital that will be required?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put down another question on that point.