HC Deb 29 July 1964 vol 699 cc337-8W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the research and development effort of the fuel and power industries.

Mr. Peyton

There has been a growth in the combined expenditure on research and development by the nationalised coal, gas and electricity industries from about £6 million in the year 1958–59 to about £12 million in the year 1963–64.

Significant progress has been made by the National Coal Board, in conjunction with manufacturers, in the development of equipment for the widespread mechanisation of coal winning operations and more recently for applying remote control techniques to mining. Pioneer research work by the Gas Council has resulted in the development of new gas-making processes which, with other British processes, are bringing about a technological revolution in gas production. The Central Electricity Generating Board has expanded its central research laboratories and built new laboratories for nuclear and engineering research. Substantial technical advances have been achieved in power generation and transmission.

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