§ 8. Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what research is being carried out to encourage the further use of power station ash and National Coal Board shale in building.
§ Mr. BoydenThe Central Electricity Generating Board, the National Coal Board and the Building Research Station are between them doing a considerable amount of research on power station ash, and the National Coal Board is actively engaged in developing the further use of colliery shale.
§ Mr. WalkerIs my hon. Friend aware that heavy power station ash and clinker are very important to the reinforced concrete manufacturers and that the change-over from heavy fuels to pulverised fuels is diminishing the supply and leading to a stock-piling racket on the part of merchants who deal in ash and clinker in terms of supply to the reinforced concrete manufacturers? Will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. BoydenI do not know about a racket, but if my hon. Friend will write to me I shall be glad to investigate the matter. Substantial and increasing quantities of ash are being used as a result of this research.