§ 24. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Secretary for Mines when the Committee under the chairmanship of Lord Henley is likely to make its report on substitute fuels; and whether this report will be made public?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I would remind the hon. Member that, in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. Ellis Smith) on 24th March, I stated that the report of Lord Henley's Committee had then just been completed. I regret that it has been decided not to make the report public.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisCan the Minister tell the House why this report will not be made public?
§ Mr. GrenfellIt is deemed not to be entirely necessary and not in the public interest.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisHaving regard to the present coal situation, does not the Minister think there is a good deal of scope for the use of substitute fuels?
§ Mr. GrenfellThat possibility has been very fully discussed. I do not think there is any lack of information on that wide subject.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the Minister say whether substitute fuels can be used for house fires?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe Question refers to producer gas for road transport.
§ Sir Richard AclandAre the oil interests likely to be opposing publication?
§ Mr. GrenfellThere is no question of oil interests being involved in this matter so far as I know. I have never heard that suggested.