7. Mr. WALLACEasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the benefits which would accrue to the coal-mining industry from the successful operation in this country of the hydrogenation process, he can give any indication of the Government's policy in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThis matter continues to receive the unremitting attention of the Government, but it is not yet possible to make any further statement on the subject.
Mr. WALLACEWill the hon. Member be able to make any statement on this matter in the Debate next Thursday?
§ Mr. BROWNI cannot say anything definite about time, but, if the hon. Member will look at the terms of my answer, he will see that it is a pretty strong one.
§ Mr. DICKIEIs the House not entitled to some explanation for the con-
§ bonised, and the output of products at these plants, with corresponding figures for the two previous years.
Mr. WALLACECan the hon. Member say what has been the output as a result of this particular process?
Mr. PRICEMay I ask whether the Government have made any proposals or are thinking of making any proposals, for giving financial assistance to the development of the industry in this way?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member will understand that there are quite a number of these processes, more than 100; and the issue he raises does not apply at the moment in regard to them.
§ Following is the statement:
§ tinued delay, both with regard to the export section and the internal section?
§ Mr. BROWNThe House is entitled to ask for what it wants, and Ministers are entitled to give the answer which they believe fits all the factors of the situation, and not merely some of the factors.
§ Mr. TOM SMITHCan the hon. Member give any indication when he will be in a position to say something definite about this matter?
§ Mr. MARTINCan the Secretary for Mines say how far the hydrogenation process is going to supply oil instead of imported oil, and how far the Mines Department, having destroyed the market for oil, will be able to supply it?