§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what terms were agreed between the I.C.I and the Government when the oil-from-coal plant was erected at Billingham; and to what extent a commercial risk was involved.
Major Lloyd GeorģeIn July, 1933, the Government announced their intention of introducing legislation to give a guaranteed preference on home-produced motor spirit over a period of years, and, on this undertaking being given, Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, decided to proceed with the erection of this plant. A commercial risk was undoubtedly involved, as the process was new to this country. The risk was taken by Imperial Chemical Industries.