HC Deb 31 January 1963 vol 670 cc1106-7
12. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Power what research is taking place in Great Britain into the actual chemical structure of coal.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. John Peyton)

Many of the features of the chemical structure of coal have already been established as the result of research work carried on during the past two decades, but research into particular aspects is being continued by the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, and at some universities under the sponsorship of the National Coal Board.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the importance of taking the latest discoveries into account if we wish to produce smokeless fuel? Is he further aware that a great number of scientists are concerned and that, in particular, the Director of Research, Dr. McNeil, of the Coal Tar Research Association, says that he is worried about how little systematic research has taken place in this important field?

Mr. Peyton

No one would deny the value of research into coal, but I think I should refer the hon. Gentleman to the Wilson Report on Coal Derivatives of 1960 in which it is said: Knowledge of coal constitution, though by no means complete, is now much more definite and has modified the earlier optimism.