HC Deb 16 January 1940 vol 356 cc25-6W
Captain Plugge

asked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the use of orange peel for the manufacture of acetone, the manufacture of insulating material, plastics, and medicines, as well as the conversion of the peel into a poison gas absorbent for gas masks; and whether an investigation of its possibilities in this direction has been made with a view to using them in the prosecution of the war?

Mr. Burgin

Orange peel, like most fermentable materials, could be used in the manufacture of acetone and certain non-essential medicines, and other derivatives from it could be used in the manufacture of insulating materials and plastics. I am advised, however, that it is neither a suitable nor an economic substitute for existing and available raw materials. Orange peel is not regarded as suitable for the production of an absorbent for use in respirators, for which there are more satisfactory raw materials.