HC Deb 02 May 1939 vol 346 cc1669-71
16. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that under direct Government encouragement the application of producer-gas propulsion to road vehicles has grown rapidly in other countries; that a passenger-omnibus run on this motive-power has operated for over a year between Inverness and the North; that engineers are satisfied as to the economic prospects of the proposal to use British coal for power purposes in internal combustion engines; and what steps are to be taken to develop the production of producer-gas from coal?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I am aware that producer-gas vehicles are more used in some other countries than is the case here, but I would point out that His Majesty's Government have also given substantial assistance to the development of the use of these alternative fuels for motor transport since no tax is paid in respect of such fuels, while in regard to petrol and diesel-driven vehicles there is a duty of 9d. per gallon on the fuel used. Producer-gas vehicles also pay a lower rate of vehicle tax in the case of the heavier vehicles. With the benefit of this inducement it is for the interests concerned to take steps to secure the development of the use of these fuels and the activities

Mr. McGovern

Has there been any rejection because of lack of brain development?

Following is the answer:

in this country to which the hon. Member refers are doubtless due to it. My Department is keeping in touch with these activities and the possibilities of making a wider use of alternative fuels in an emergency are also under active consideration.

18. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take steps to expedite the investigations that are to be made by representatives of the Mining Association, the Coal Utilisation Council, and the Coal Research Council into problems connected with the use of producer-gas generated from coal; when the report is expected of the Glasgow Corporation's transport engineers on the demonstration of the Highland Transport omnibus, in view of the fact that it will largely determine the immediate future of producer-gas omnibuses and of the need to economise in the use of imported oil; and whether he will consult the Institute of Mechanical Engineers on the question of coal as fuel for internal combustion engines or take what steps he considers appropriate to deal with the problem?

Mr. Lloyd

My predecessor recently received a deputation consisting of the President of the Mining Association and other representatives of the Coal Utilisation Research Association, when the programme of the association was discussed, including the question of supplies of suitable fuel for gas producer vehicles. As regards the second part of the question I will ask the Glasgow Corporation to be good enough to supply me with a copy of the report of their transport engineer. I undersand that the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, as a result of the meeting held at Swansea in March, at which my Department was represented, are considering the setting up of a Committee to examine this question further and my Department will keep in touch with the Institution. On the general question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have already given him today.