§ Colonel Carverasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the waste of sawdust, of which it is estimated that 1,000 tons a day are produced; whether any research has been made to turn sawdust into fuel briquettes, wood alcohol, manure or pulp for paper making; and, in view of the present fuel problem, what action he is prepared to take in this connection?
§ Mr. PeatI have been asked to reply. I am aware that a large quantity of sawdust is available. Some of it is being used. Research with a view to finding useful outlets for the remainder has been in progress for some time and these investigations are being continued. There is little prospect of large quantities being utilised either for wood alcohol, paper pulp or fertiliser; these uses are scientifically possible, but not practicable under war conditions. As regards the utilisation of sawdust in the manufacture of a briquette for burning, recently some advance has been made in this direction and an initial plant is under consideration.