§ 4. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Secretary for Mines whether the smokeless fuel obtained by the low-temperature carbonisation of coal is, owing to its greater radiation efficiency, equivalent as a fuel to the coal from which it is pro- 195 duced; and whether employment among miners is likely to be increased by the more extensive adoption of these processes?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIt is difficult to make an exact comparison of the radiant efficiencies of a ton of raw coal and a ton of low-temperature smokeless fuel (or semi-coke) owing to the different qualities of the coals and cokes and the varying conditions under which the fuels can be burned. Under suitable and similar conditions a good low-temperature fuel should radiate not less than 25 per cent. more heat than an equal weight of good household coal. Applying this factor to the average production of low-temperature semi-coke per ton of coal processed it is calculated that about 21 cwts. of coal are needed to produce low-temperature fuel which would yield the heating value of one ton of coal. This would give an extra requirement of about 5 per cent. of coal. If the gas produced at low-temperature works is sold for industrial or domestic purposes, this would, if competing with town's gas or coal, diminish the additional quantity of coal required. There are, however, certain other factors such as the contribution which the greater production of smokeless fuels will make towards smoke abatement and the higher yield of tar from which oil products can be made which have to be taken into account in assessing the value of these processes.
§ Mr. WHITEDoes it not appear from that reply that the optimistic hopes of greater production of coal will be somewhat less than was anticipated?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKYes. I think there is, perhaps, a great deal of unfounded optimism in regard to the low temperature carbonisation process of the amount of coal that will be required. Perhaps the hon. Member will study the reply. It is a rather technical subject, and the reply gives the most up-to-date information.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the Minister aware that if there were a possibility of the high price of this smokeless fuel being reduced, there would be more consumption in the household?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThat applies to almost everything.