§ Mr. Capeasked the Secretary for Mines whether any efforts have been 1492W made in Cumberland to erect plants for the extraction of oil from coal; and, if so, what progress, if any, has been made in the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankFrom time to time efforts have been made to secure the installation of an oil from coal plant in Cumberland but so far without success.
§ Mr. Lunnasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of people employed, directly and indirectly, in the production of oil from coal; and if they are on the increase?
§ Captain CrookshankA large proportion of the oil produced from coal is a by-product obtained from the carbonisation of coal at numerous coke-oven plants and gas works. Particulars are not available which would enable the information asked for to be supplied. The production of motor spirit has about doubled in the last four years, but it is not possible to indicate the actual extent of the consequent increase in employment.