HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 cc1002-3
22. Sir William Darling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to survey the peat areas in Britain regarding quantity and quality; what plans he has for the development of the peat industry; and what research is being undertaken.

Mr. Shinwell

It is not possible within the limits of a Parliamentary answer to give the hon. Member all the information he asks for in his Question. I am sending him a note on it.

Sir W. Darling

The right hon. Gentleman underestimates his capacity. What steps are being taken to survey the peat areas? Surely he can answer that question shortly, without writing.

Mr. Shinwell

I can tell the hon. Gentleman at once that a great deal has been done and is being done, but I wanted to give him a full answer Captain MacLeod: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable experiments have been made in Ireland for using peat as fuel for generating electricity and has his Department been in touch with the experimental work which has been done there?

Mr. Shinwell

I know what is going on there, but I have no control over it.