HC Deb 28 November 1960 vol 631 cc7-8
18. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the recommendations on organisation of the Wilson Committee on Coal Derivatives contained in paragraph 215, subsections 35–39.

Mr. Wood

Both the National Coal Board and the Gas Council agree with the Committee that, in the field covered by its terms of reference, coal is likely to derive the greatest benefit from the improvement of existing methods and the development of new methods of gasification.

I agree with this view and I am discussing with the two industries the best means of giving effect to the Committee's recommendation about work on slagging gasifiers. I accept the other recommendations on organisation, which deal with work on other gasifiers and on producer gas plants.

Mr. Fitch

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge the Gas Council to speed up the job of the Lurgi gasification process? Would not he agree that it is far more important to develop our indigenous resources than to go on importing methane?

Mr. Wood

I can assure the hon. Member that the Gas Council is very well aware of the importance of the Lurgi process. I hope that the Lurgi plant in Fife will begin operating next year and that substantial progress will quickly be made with the other Lurgi plant. I think the Gas Council is well aware of the importance of these two.

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