§ 14. Mr. JOHN WALLACEasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the proposals recently propounded for the development of low-temperature car- 168 bonisation in Scotland on a large scale with a central refinery at Rosyth or Port Edgar for treating the oils obtained; and whether he is taking steps to assist the scheme being carried out in the near future, and to ascertain the accuracy of the statistical data which have been published in this connection?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe proposals to which my hon. Friend refers are, I believe, those which were outlined in a Debate in another place on 7th December last. While the commercial development of low temperature carbonisation is undoubtedly making some progress in this country I do not regard the particular scheme referred to as one which it would be practicable to carry out in the near future. I have had the data which has been published examined but there is not sufficient material available to me at present to enable me to say that it would be possible in practice to secure the results claimed.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Duke of Montrose is reported to have said that with a capital of £8,000,000, for a, low-temperature carbonisation scheme of this nature there would be an annual return of £2,000,000; and further is he aware that a return on capital of this nature is what poor Members of Parliament have been seeking anxiously for a long time?
§ Mr. WALLACECan the hon. Gentleman give us some idea as to when his inquiries into the statistical data will be complete?
§ Mr. BROWNThe statistical information given in connection with this particular statement of the scheme is not sufficient to enable me to give an answer to my hon. Friend as to the value of the scheme propounded.