HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 c244W
Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Supply what financial assistance was given to the firm of British Celanese by the Government during the period 1941 to 1943 to construct a large plant for manufacturing alcohol from oil; and whether he is satisfied that the results justify continued confidence in the capabilities of this firm?

Mr. Peat

Financial assistance has been given to the company in respect of this plant by way of subscription to debenture stock, nearly all of which has since been disposed of through the Stock Exchange in the normal way. As regards the second part of the Question, there have been difficulties in obtaining from abroad supplies of the most suitable quality of oil, and it is consequently not yet possible to form a judgment on the results of the plant.