§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what study he has made of the work being undertaken for the United States Department of the Interior by Bituminous Coal Research Incorporated on developing a commercial process for converting coal to synthetic natural gas, details of which are in his possession; and what steps he is taking to promote such research in Great Britain.
§ Mr. RidleyScientists of the National Coal Board, the Gas Council, and my Department are making a joint study of 297W a number of routes by which substitute natural gas can be manufactured from coal. The process being developed by Bituminous Coal Research Incorporated is included in the exercise. A study of this nature is a necessary precursor to any future research in this field which might be undertaken in this country, and a decision to initiate any such programme would be a matter for the nationalised industries concerned.