§ Mr. G. HALLasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that it is claimed that. as the results of tests in the transmutation or liquidisation of coal into oil, and average of from 40 to 70 per cent, of the actual coal weight can be converted into oil; and what progress, if any, is being made by tests and experiments in the scientific treatment of coal in this country?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe Government is aware of the claims referred to, and is in possession of the results of numerous experiments on the subject. The process 45W is not yet in use commercially, but experiments are continuing, both at His Majesty's Fuel Research Station and elsewhere. Progress is being made by tests and experiments in the scientific treatment of coal in this country, and I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Enfield (Colonel Applin) on the 22nd June last (a copy of which I am sending him), and to the published Reports of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for further details.