§ Mr. DAYasked the Secretary for Mines, whether any investigations have been made by his Department into claims recently made by Germany with reference to the hydrogenation of coal and coal tar, by which large quantities of motor spirit can be obtained per ton of coal treated whether any of these processes are being worked in this country; and can he give the results attained?
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§ Mr. SHINWELLNo precise information is available as to the actual results being obtained in Germany from the hydrogenation of coal and coal tar. These processes are not as yet being worked commercially in this country. They are, however, being actively investigated, in both their scientific and commercial aspects by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd., and research in connection with the scientific problems involved is also in progress by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. For further information I would refer my hon. Friend to the Annual Reports of the Fuel Research Board.