HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc325-6W
101. Mr. Carson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of gas manufactured by gas undertakings in this country is water gas; how this compares with the 1939 figure, and, as a result of this, how many tons of coke that would normally be available are not now available.

Mr. Shinwell

In 1939, the proportion of water gas in the total volume of gas made by gas undertakings was 8.6 per cent. In 1946, the proportion was 19.1 per cent. Because of increased demands for gas in 1946, more coal was carbonised and, in consequence, half a million tons more gas coke was available for the market; but it the 1939 proportion of water gas had remained in 1946 a further two million tons of gas coke would have been available.