§ 50. Mr. Mathersasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he will not state the attitude of the Government to the recommendations in the Falmouth Committee's report upon oil from coal, especially in relation to the Scottish shale-oil industry?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)I appreciate the desire of the hon. Gentleman and of the House generally to be informed as soon as possible of the attitude of the Government towards this report. Good progress is being made in the consideration of the Committee's recommendations. They raise a number of important issues, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce the Government's decision on them.
§ Mr. MathersCan the Minister give any indication when he may be able to answer such a question more fully?
§ Sir T. InskipI cannot give any indication at the present time, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that no time is being lost in this examination.
§ Mr. BateyMay I ask the Minister whether the committee, when they are considering that report, will consider it with the intention of starting as soon as possible in the distressed areas plant for the extraction of oil from coal?
§ Sir T. InskipThe report is not being considered by a committee, but it is being considered in the different Departments which are concerned with the recommendations in the report.