asked the Secretary for Mines whether the committee on the question of extracting oil from coal has yet reported; and, if not, what steps he is taking to expedite the report, in view of the information already available on the subject and the urgency of arriving at a decision?

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the investigation under the chairmanship of the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Sir W. Jowitt). I expect to receive this report in a few days.

Can the Minister say whether, before appointing this Committee, he had personally studied the report upon oil from coal published by his Department?

Yes, Sir.

Could the Minister not find there all the information which he is likely to get from this Committee?

No, Sir.