HC Deb 06 November 1934 vol 293 cc828-9
46. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Fuel Research Board has been or will be asked to report upon what is stated to be a new carbonisation process of the National Coke and Oil Company, Limited; and whether the report, if any, is regarded as satisfactory?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

No formal application has been received from the National Coke and Oil Company, Limited, for a test of their process. The Director of Fuel Research has discussed the question of a test with representatives of the company, and the plant has been visited by officers of the Fuel Research Station to determine how a test might be carried out, but in the absence of a test no report can be made by the Director of Fuel Research.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

In the interests not only of the mining industry but of the investing public will the right hon. Gentleman try to obtain a real test as a guide to those who are interested in the question?

Mr. BALDWIN

We have been perfectly willing, but any delay is not the fault of the Government. We have been waiting for a long time, but have heard no further from this company.