§ 70. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sludge gas produced by the sludge digestion plants owned by the various sewerage boards and local authorities in the country is being utilised to the full; and whether the daily wastage of many millions of cubic feet of this valuable supply can now be avoided and diverted to neighbouring gas undertakings, or whether the rigid covenant and restriction as between gas and electricity undertakings may now be relaxed so as to ensure that the wastage of sludge gas is eliminated?
§ Mr. DaltonThere are difficulties in making general use of sludge gas. It has been found in many places that it is most economical to use this gas to supply the requirements of sewerage pumping stations. It is also used instead of petrol for transport purposes. I am not aware of any rigid covenant or general restriction preventing electricity and gas undertakings from using the gas if it can be made available.
§ Mr. WalkdenCan the President of the Board of Trade tell the House what is being done by his Department to put into effective operation the recommendations and findings of the Traction Gas Committee, which sat under the chairmanship of Lord Strabolgi?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is another question.