§ 59. Mr. Awberyasked the Paymaster-General the cost to the nation of the recent cargo of experimental methane gas; what amount of coal would be required to produce an equivalent amount in this country; and if he will consider instead the desirability of utilising this country's own natural resources and helping to reduce the amount of coal now in stock.
§ Mr. MaudlingOn the first part of his Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the right hon. Member for Blyth (Mr. Robens) on 14th May, 1959. The third experimental cargo has now been landed and has a coal equivalent of about 5,000 tons. When the time comes to consider the results of the experiment the considerations referred to by the hon. Member will be taken into account.