§ Lieut.-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shortage of domestic and industrial fuel, the great demand for oil, and the publicity which is being given to the possibility of producing these substances from low-grade coal, colliery 2138W waste, and/or other bituminous material, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to protect the public from investing in schemes which are technically unsound?
§ Mr. H. FISHERMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Government are doing everything they can by setting up a Fuel Research Station for the purpose of providing the public with schemes which are technically sound to guard them against investing their money in schemes which are not technically sound.
§ Lieut.-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Prime Minister what progress has been made to date in connection with the Government experimental Fuel Research Station at Greenwich; what amount of money has been expended in connection therewith; and whether any results have been obtained towards the utilisation of inferior coal and colliery waste which will tend to increase the amount of domestic and industrial fuel, solid and liquid, for public distribution and consumption during the coming winter months?
§ Mr. H. FISHERThe Prune Minister has asked me to answer this question. The laboratories at the Fuel Research Station are completed and have begun work. The main building will, it is hoped, be completed next month. The recorded expenditure up to the present on buildings and equipment is £130,924, and it is estimated that the cost under these heads will be £193,588 when the station as at present planned is finished. It has not yet been possible to conduct experiments bearing on the last part of the question, but they will be undertaken in due course after the station is complete.