HC Deb 06 July 1953 vol 517 cc841-2
27. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what plans he has for increasing the use of peat in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Plans for increasing the use of peat will depend on the outcome of the experimental work which I described in a reply on 2nd February. Gas turbines have been developed to run on peat, and machines are being installed to prepare the raw peat for feeding to the turbines, and this work is making satisfactory progress.

Mr. Gower

In view of the limitations of our coal supplies, should not the development of alternative fuels like peat be regarded as a matter of far greater urgency? Cannot the Minister popularise peat as a possible domestic fuel, as he will agree that it is used very successfully in Eire?

Mr. Lloyd

It is regarded as a matter of urgency.