HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 c1508
2. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has made the promised inquiries as to the working of the large-scale plants in the Donetz Basin and elsewhere in Russia for the gasification of coal underground and as to the result of experiments in United States coalfields for the extraction by deep boring behind the coal-face of fire-damp for commercial uses?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, Sir, but the replies have not yet been received.

Sir P. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that the B.B.C. recently stated in the Scottish news service that experiments in the gasification of coal underground were now in progress in a Scottish mine, and can he give any information on the matter?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot without notice. I believe that a small experiment is being carried out, but this is a larger thing. As I promised the hon. Member some time ago, I will let him have the particulars as soon as they can possibly be obtained.