§ 4. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement on the Government's policy with regard to the hydrogenation of coal?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThis subject is still being actively considered but I am not yet in a position to make any statement of the Government's policy in regard to it.
§ Mr. GRENFELLAre these negotiations proceeding as rapidly and as fully as they possibly can?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, they are proceeding without interruption.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister said in the Debate on the Address that the Government had been considering this matter for some months? When are we going to get an answer?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe hon. Member is aware that this is a most complicated, difficult and highly technical subject. He cannot expect it to be dealt with at lightning pace.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhen a definite reply can be given, it will be given.
§ Sir WILLIAM WAYLANDIs it not a fact that low temperature carbonisation of coal is already a commercial success?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not enter into a discussion of these rival processes at Question Time.