§ 18. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now make a 1790 full statement on the steps that are to be taken to encourage the use of alternative fuel and the utilisation of producer-gas in particular; whether he has received the report of the committee that investigated this problem; and, if so, what steps are being taken on the report?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)I received last week an interim report from the technical committee on the development of producer gas vehicles, and the report of Lord Henley's committee on fuels suitable for this purpose has just been completed. The hon. Member will appreciate that it is not yet possible for me to make a full statement on the steps to be taken to encourage the uses of alternative fuel, but these reports on producer gas are being closely examined, in relation to other methods of reducing the imports of oil.
§ Mr. SmithWill the Secretary for Mines be able to give an adequate reply soon after the Recess, in view of the urgency of the matter?
§ Mr. GrenfellYes, Sir, I believe I shall be able to do so shortly.
§ Mr. ThorneHas any progress been made with the method of using a large amount of very small coal?
§ Mr. GrenfellThat is another question. I am not quite sure what my hon. Friend means.