§ Mr. FREEMANasked the Secretary for Mines what has been the total expenditure on the fuel research station, Greenwich, both in equipment and costs of experiments; what is the annual cost of running the fuel research division; what amount of money was spent on the Richmond low-temperature plant designed by the fuel research staff; and what is the estimated cost of removing the Richmond plant and clearing the site.
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe total net expenditure on the Fuel Research Station, Greenwich, including all capital and maintenance costs, from its inception in 1917 up to 31st March, 1931, amounted to £796,633. The estimated net expenditure of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on fuel research during the current financial year, plus the cost Of allied services provided by other Government Departments, is £95,738. This sum includes not only the expenditure of the Fuel Research Station, but also the cost of other research work on fuel, especially on the Physical and Chemical Survey of the National Coal Resources. This estimate does not include the additional expenditure referred to in the statement made by my hon. 2417W Friend the member for Bedwellty (Mr. G. Edwards) on my behalf on 5th May. As regards Richmond, the amount of the Government guaranteed loan was £100,000. The accounts have not yet been closed and the removal of the plant is under negotiation.