HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1671-2
17. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the widespread interest in the question of the home production of oil from coal and other indigenous substances, and in the establishment of a plant or plants to work the Fischer process; what steps are being taken to deal with this need; where is it proposed that a plant or plants should be installed; and whether he can make a statement on the Government's policy on this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir. It was mainly because of the general interest in the oil from coal problem that the Government invited the Falmouth Committee to make a thorough investigation and report on the whole subject. I would also refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins) on 14th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the report contains a recommendation against a wide extension of this process?

Mr. Lloyd

The committee carried out an exhaustive investigation and there was one main recommendation.

Mr. Shinwell

What steps are now being taken by the Government to produce more oil from coal in this country, and, therefore, to make ourselves independent to some extent of foreign supplies?

Mr. Lloyd

The whole matter was described in an earlier report. They recommend that the preference should be stabilised over a definite number of years for the purpose of giving security to this production.

Mr. Edwards

How many members of the Falmouth Committee were interested in the importation of oil and were, therefore, prejudiced against the production of oil from coal?

19. Mr. Edwards

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to report on the various methods of producing oil from coal which have been recently under observation by his Department?

Mr. Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given earlier this afternoon to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith).

Mr. Edwards

Has the Minister any information to give us in regard to the process about which I gave the other Minister some information some time ago, and on which he promised to report?

Mr. Lloyd

I have not that information.

Mr. Edwards

Would the hon. Gentleman remember that his predecessor built up a doubtful reputation for investigating matters, but never in any circumstances gave the House any information?