Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Power what information he has on the progress being made towards the substitution of oil fuels for coke in blast furnaces; and what developments his 6W Department and the National Coal Board expect to be able to make to meet this new competition, whether by the use of pulverised coal or otherwise.
§ Mr. WoodOil injection is being used as a means of reducing coke requirements in blast furnaces at a number of works abroad, and an experiment is now going on at one works in the United Kingdom. A second experiment will start shortly, and plans are being made for others. Coal is also being injected experimentally at one plant in the United States, which was recently visited by representatives of the National Coal Board and of the Iron and Steel Board. The National Coal Board believes that the use of specially prepared coal in this way will prove competitive. It is discussing with iron and steel companies arrangements for an experimental programme in the United Kingdom. The Iron and Steel Board is giving every assistance and I am keeping in touch with developments.