HC Deb 12 March 1942 vol 378 cc1200-1
60. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to increase the supply of home-produced motor fuel and to develop alternative sources for fats, he will consider the establishment in this country of a plant for the synthesis of oil from water-gas?

Mr. Grenfell

The possibility of erecting plants to work the Fisher-Tropsch process, to which I assume the Question refers, was carefully examined by a Committee under the chairmanship of Sir William Jowitt, early in 1940. Their conclusions are now being carefully reconsidered, together with all other possible means of reducing the use of imported oil.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that although a Committee considered this matter early in 1940, it is only now being considered?

Mr. Grenfell

Reconsidered.

Mr. Shinwell

That it is only now being reconsidered?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend must realise that the report can only be of use when all the essentials in the report are available. For this purpose four or five tons of coal are required to make one ton of oil.

Mr. A. Edwards

Is the best use being made of creosote oil?

Mr. Grenfell

I hope so.