HC Deb 04 April 1939 vol 345 cc2611-3
39. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether consideration has recently been given to the need for a Fischer-Tropsch plant or plants to be installed in this country for the development of by-products from coal and of the synthetic industry; and what steps are being taken to deal with the urgent need for the further development of this section of industry in this country?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

I have nothing to add to the statement I made on 14th March in

the education authority, from grants from local charities and trust funds, voluntary contributions, proceeds of entertainments, etc.

In some areas where the education authority do not themselves bear the cost of free meals, etc., the authorities provide accommodation, equipment, apparatus and service.

34. Mr. Leonard (for Mr. Mathers)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what number of Scottish school children received free meals and free milk, respectively, in 1938, as compared with 1933; and what were the amounts expended by the local education authorities on these services in the two years mentioned?

Mr. Colville

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

reply to a question by the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins).

Mr. Smith

Does not the Secretary for Mines think that the time has arrived when the same energy and drive as are being put into the production of armaments, should also be put into the development of our economic resources; and will he consult with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade with a view to getting that energy and drive applied to the economic needs of the country?

Mr. Batey

Will the Minister answer the second part of the question as to what further steps are to be taken to deal with this matter?

Captain Crookshank

I have referred the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 14th March. Perhaps the hon. Member will look at that reply.

Mr. T. Smith

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what are the reactions of his Department towards this particular process?

40. Mr. Edwards

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the claims of Bed lay colliery, Glenborg, in connection with the production of oil from coal?

Captain Crookshank

As the hon. Member will be aware, this plant has only been operating for a comparatively short time and it is not as yet possible, therefore, to make any statement as to the results obtained.

Mr. Edwards

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give us any indication of when he will be able to afford the House some information upon this matter?

Captain Crookshank

I am afraid not. I am, of course, in touch with the company which is making these tests, but I am afraid they are not yet in a position to say when the information will be available.

Mr. Edwards

Is it not true that the Department will never do to-day what they can put off until to-morrow?

Captain Crookshank

That is quite untrue.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Is not that true of all Ministers?