§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the present arrangements for and expenditure on research into the efficiency of electrical generation in the United Kingdom; and whether he will take steps to erect a power station which, in addition to supplying electricity, can be devoted mainly to research into problems of electrical generation.
§ Mr. T. SmithResearch directed to the improvement of thermal efficiency of electrical generation is being carried on continuously both by the electricity supply industry and the manufacturers of generating plant, in consultation with the Central Electricity Board. I regret that I cannot estimate the expenditure incurred on this research, because it is carried out by many persons in numerous directions. As regards the last part of the Question, I am afraid that in present war-time conditions such a project is impracticable.