§ 28. Mr. R. Edwardsasked the Paymaster-General to what extent his Department, apart from the specific work undertaken by the National Coal Board is developing or furthering research into the uses of coal, particularly as a source of chemicals.
§ Mr. MaudlingAs the hon. Member will be aware, this question is under examination by the Wilson Committee. In the meantime, experimental and development work, and work on design studies, is being pressed forward by the Ministry in conjunction with the Gas Council, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the British Coal Utilisation Research Association and private industry.
§ Mr. EdwardsCan this work be expedited, since we are still importing vast supplies of chemicals which can be produced from British surplus coal? Has the Paymaster-General considered the Charles Turner project whereby coal is boiled for the extraction of chemical by-products and from which process, it is claimed, will flow power as cheap as water?
§ Mr. MaudlingMy noble Friend recognises the need for speed in this matter, and it was with that thought in mind that he appointed the Wilson Committee. I shall make sure that the Wilson Committee's attention is drawn to what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerCan the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage of turnover is spent on research into the uses of coal, and does he regard it as satisfactory?
§ Mr. MaudlingI could not say without notice.