HC Deb 27 March 1947 vol 435 cc1404-5
75. Lieut.-Colonel Boles

asked Minister of Fuel and Power whether, with a view to increasing the nation's fuel supply, he will consider schemes for converting peat into carbon for smelting and for general heat and power requirements.

Mr. Shinwell

The possibility of extending the use of raw and processed peat as a substitute for other forms of fuel is at present being carefully investigated by my Department in conjunction with the Fuel Research Organisation of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. This work embraces not only a general investigation into the carbonisation and briquette-ting of peat but also an examination of the suitability of the raw and processed material as fuels for industrial and other purposes. My Department is also keeping in touch with the latest foreign developments in the utilisation of peat.