HC Deb 02 February 1953 vol 510 c1462
33. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make a statement of progress made up to date in the development of peat fuel.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, Sir. Good progress is being made. John Brown & Co., have made an experiment for the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in which they ran a gas turbine for 1,000 hours on peat. The results of the test are being assessed. Ruston and Hornsby have constructed another type of gas turbine for my Department and this has made short test runs successfully and is soon to make longer tests. Also, at a peat-bog near Falkirk, we are installing an experimental machine to press water out of the peat and make it ready for the turbine.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the Minister say anything about the result of the work of Sir Edward Appleton's committee, which is discussing the exploitation of peat and its general scientific use?

Mr. Lloyd

This work is being done under the advice of that committee.