HC Deb 28 February 1935 vol 298 cc1305-6
65. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines how many gallons of oil have been, produced from coal in the United Kingdom during each of the last three years and the total quantity of coal used thereby?

Mr. E. BROWN

As the answer involves a statistical statement, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. SMITH

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied with the progress which has been made in this direction?

Mr. BROWN

In regard to oil including benzole there has been a rise from 39,000,000 gallons to between 55,000,000 and 56,000,000 gallons.

Following is the answer:

No official information is available, but the following quantities of oil are estimated to have been produced from coal by various processes in the last three years:

Year. Crude benzole and other spirit. Creosote.
Million Gallons.
1932 … … 39 55
1933 … … 49 65
1934 … … 55/56 80

The figures for 1934 are provisional and subject to revision.

The tonnage of coal consumed in high and low temperature carbonisation processes from which the above products were obtained were:

1932 … … 30.2 million tons.
1933 … … 30.4 million tons.
1934 … … (Not yet available).