§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what experiments are being carried out in Great Britain to produce gas from unworkable coal seams by firing the coal; what estimates are available of the potential of such a process in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MooreThe processing of coal in situ is being considered by the National Coal Board. I will ask the chairman to write the hon. Member.
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§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when he expects the British Gas Corporation will be in a position to construct a commercial process employing the slagging gasifiers; and at what price it will prove competitive with natural gas;
(2) what he estimates will be the lead time necessary for the establishment of a composite gasifier using the yield of an adjoining colliery;
(3) what research and development will be conducted at Killingholme, South Humberside, by the British Gas Corporation after 1982; and what is the extent of the financial commitment;
(4) if he will make a statement on the research and development work already conducted at Westfield, Fife, by the British Gas Corporation; and what are the funds spent to date;
(5) what progress has been made to date on the production of synthetic natural gas using the catalytic process in conjunction with light petroleum distillates as feedstock;
(6) what progress has been made to date on the production of synthetic natural gas using the pressurised fluidised bed process in conjunction with low gravity petroleum feedstock and crude oil.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThese are matters for the British Gas Corporation, and I will ask the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend.