§ 56. Mr. Mayhewasked the Paymaster-General what action he is taking to increase the output of manufactured smokeless fuels.
§ 61. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General if binderless briquettes are now being marketed through normal trade channels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe manufacturers of smokeless fuels are continually increasing their output to meet the demands for their products. The National Coal Board is working on a number of possible methods of producing new types of smokeless fuels, including the production of binderless briquettes, but there are still a number of problems to be solved.
§ Mr. Bottomleyasked the Paymaster-General why there is a continuing shortage of smokeless fuel in Rochester and Chatham, in view of the Government's clean air policy.
§ Mr. MaudlingThere has been a general increase in demand for solid smokeless fuels, not only in Rochester and Chatham. While certain premium fuels are in limited supply, there is plenty of gasworks and coke oven coke, which burns well when used in the right appliances. Householders who are not used to coke can get advice on how to use it from their local gas boards or coke distributors.