HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc197-8
40. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a further statement on the development of coal derivates.

Mr. Freeson

There is continuing research and development work by the National Coal Board to get maximum benefit from coal derivatives, and associated work is done by the British Coal Utilization Research, Coke Research and Coal Tar Research Associations. An account of the lines of research and progress made is given in the latest annual reports of the Board and the associations.

Mr. Eadie

May I appeal to my hon. Friend to set up a committee to reinvestigate the technology of this, since it was in the 1950s that this matter was last thoroughly investigated?

Mr. Freeson

I do not think there is need. The work which is being done is in capable hands and there is no need for a Ministry committee to be set up.