§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the potential contribution of coal-bed methane to United Kingdom energy resources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarCoalbed methane is still in the exploration phase in the United Kingdom, determining if production is viable. No estimate has therefore been made.
Although the coal fields are well defined, it is necessary to find out the parameters that will govern the rate and extent of release of methane from United Kingdom coals and to adapt the production technique for United Kingdom conditions.