§ Mr. Kirbyasked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Forestry Commissioners have noted any increase in the demand for charcoal; whether the Commissioners have made any experiments in the production of this commodity on a commercial basis for use in gas-masks and for other purposes; and what is the result and the policy of the Commissioners thereon?
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe Forestry Commissioners have noted the increase in the demand for charcoal and are undertaking experiments in the production of this commodity for general trade purposes, but not particularly for use in gas-masks. The policy of the Commissioners will depend on the result of the experiments. The Commissioners are aware that work on the production of charcoal is being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at its Forest Products Research Laboratory.