§ 55. Mr. Willeyasked the Paymaster-General what progress has been made in the work on the expansion of existing uses and development of new uses of coal.
§ Sir I. HorobinOur main hope of expanding the existing uses of coal lies in encouraging economic activity and the measures announced in the Budget already appear to be doing so. Progress is also being made in producing smokeless fuels and in developing new methods of gasifying coal. For example, the output of the National Coal Board's new fuel "Warmco" is to be increased to about half a million tons per annum by next winter, a Lurgi plant is being built at Westfield, Scotland, and another is being considered for the Midlands. The House will also be aware that my noble Friend has recently appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. A. H. Wilson, F.R.S., to review the possibilities of developing processes for the conversion of coal into chemicals, gas and oil.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the hon. Gentleman say when the Committee is likely to report and what degree of urgency has been given to its work?
§ Sir I. HorobinThe matter is certainly being treated urgently, but the Committee has only just been appointed and we must give it a chance.