§ 24. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to secure savings in consumption of coal in industry; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken to utilise more fully waste products, such as slurry from screens and anthracite duff, in view of the success attained in their use in some industrial processes?
§ Mr. T. SmithThe Fuel Efficiency Committee set up by the Secretary for Mines last September are carrying out energetically a campaign to reduce waste of coal in industry. They have started classes throughout the country to instruct engineers and operators how savings are to be made, and they have discussed with representatives of nearly every industry 1392 the best ways of increasing efficiency. The Ministry's staff of combustion engineers has been greatly strengthened and, with the co-operation of other experts, systematic inspections of individual factories are being made. I realise the importance of making full use of such material as slurry and anthracite duff. I am glad to be able to report that considerably larger quantities are being burnt, and that other promising trials are in progress.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the lowest cost for the generation of electricity in this country is now obtained at a plant which uses exclusively anthracite duff, which for years has been regarded as waste coal, and will he urge that this waste coal is a valuable product which can be used by industry?
§ Mr. SmithMy hon. Friend can take it from me that not merely anthracite duff but other materials which have been considered waste in the past will be taken into account.