§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has information indicating that any Governments of coal-producing countries are now financing experiments to obtain the best methods of oil extraction; and, if so, what is in each case the amount set aside for the purpose as compared with similar assistance given by His Majesty's Government?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI believe that in several countries financial assistance for this purpose is given by the Government, but I have no detailed information. As regards the assistance given by His Majesty's Government towards similar research in this country, I would refer the hon. Member to the Reports for the year 1924–25 of the Committee for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Fuel Research Board. During the period in question, the expenditure on Fuel Research generally amounted to £50,471; but it is not possible to give any separate figure representing expenditure on research into the problem of oil extraction alone.