31. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken by his Department with a view to the setting up of oil from coal plants in the county of Durham or in any other parts of the coalfields?
§ 34 and 36. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary for Mines (1)whether he has appointed a committee to investigate the possibilities of low-temperature carbonisation of coal; who will compose the committee; what are their terms of reference; and when he expects to receive their report;
(2) what action he proposes to take to increase the output of oil from coal; to bring about development in the production of by-products, and a greater utilisation of by-products by a more scientific organisation of the coal and ancillary industries?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I would ask the hon. Members to await the statement which I intend to make on this subject next week.
§ Mr. E. SmithThe Secretary for Mines will be aware that I have postponed these Questions at his request on several occasions. If I repeat them next week, will he be in a position to give an answer?
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the statement which the hon. Gentleman intends to make next week also include a statement on the use of the Seaham oil-from-coal plant, which can be immediately restarted?
§ Mr. BateyWill the statement embrace a reference to low temperature carbonisation as well as hydrogenation?