HC Deb 16 February 1977 vol 926 cc278-9W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the chemicals which are currently produced from coal in the United Kingdom and give an estimate of the value for the latest years for which figures are available.

Mr. Eadie

Statistics on the production and value of chemicals from coal are not readily available in my Department, and the information could only be produced at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the chemicals derived from coal in the United Kingdom 30 years ago, and the position in 1977, and indicate to what extent petroleum feedstocks have replaced coal byproducts.

Mr. Eadie

Statistics on the production of chemicals from coal or other feedstocks are not readily available in my Department, and the information could only be produced at disproportionate cost.