asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the House any further information as to the progress that is being made to develop the process of low-temperature carbonisation of coal with a view to making it a commercial success?

I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in this House on 29th June.

Is the hon. And gallant Gentleman aware that over 200,000 tons of coal have been treated by this process and the products sold in the open market, and does he not think it has now pasted out of the experimental stage, and might be put on a commercial basis?

I do not think I can add anything to what I have said I am very glad to hear it has got so far as the hon. Member says.

In view of the very desperate state of the country industrially, will the Government do all they possibly can to expedite putting this on a commercial basis?

Every effort will be made.

Vice-Admiral Sir REGINALD HALL:

Have any collieries asked for assistance under the Trade Facilities Act in putting up this plant?

Yes; in two cases applications have been made, I believe successfully.