§ 45. Mr. Chorltonasked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether any research experiments are being conducted with the gas turbine using coal-dust as fuel, in view of the national importance of increasing the use of coal?
§ The Paymaster-General (Earl Winterton)My Noble Friend is aware of the attention that has been directed towards the possibility of developing a form of turbine engine driven by coal-dust. In particular, general consideration has been given to this problem at the Fuel Research Station, but, as I informed my hon. Friend in reply to his question of 17th November last, the station is concentrating, in the first instance, on the basic problems encountered in the use of powdered coal in an engine. When sufficient information has been obtained about these basic problems it will be possible to consider more closely the application of such knowledge to the development of a turbine. The replies which I have previously given to my hon. Friend will have indicated that considerable progress has already been made in this fundamental research.
§ Mr. E. J. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that anthracite coal-dust is now being used in substitution for oil?
§ Earl WintertonThe body which is investigating the matter fully appreciate the importance of that. I hope that within a short time it will be possible to report the results of its investigations.