asked the President of the Board of Agriculture why such long delay has occurred in the completion of the Government factory in the Forest of Dean for the production of calcium acetate with a view to its subsequent conversion into acetone for the manufacture of cordite; and when it is expected that such factory will be so far completed as to render it possible to commence therein the destructive distillation of birch and other coppice wood?

The delay in the completion of the factory in the Forest of Dean is due mainly to the failure of the builder who had the contract for the erection of the buildings. The work is now being done by the Crown through its own architect, and it is hoped that it will be possible to commence wood distillation in July next.