HC Deb 04 May 1937 vol 323 c958
68. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Scottish shale deposits and the methods used to extract oil therefrom will be included in the scope of the promised sub-committee inquiry; and whether the Freeman process will be fully tested in accordance with the formula of its inventor?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

In my view the terms of reference are wide enough to cover the shale oil industry, but in regard to both points raised in the question, it must be left to the Committee to decide how they will conduct their inquiry.

Mr. Mathers

Is it not a fact that the Minister has announced this sub-committee as a sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and have not the Government, therefore, full control of it and of its actions, and are they not able to dictate the scope it shall cover?

Captain Crookshank

I have already said that, in my view, the terms of reference are wide enough to cover this point.

Mr. Mathers

Then will it be the Minister's advice to this sub-committee to cover this point?

Captain Crookshank

I have no doubt that the members of the sub-committee will see the hon. Member's question and will also appreciate my reply.