Another Producer-gas ( Let-down by Government
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By J. W. Noel Jordan
Chairman, Mobile Praeger Gas Association LLAST week has been one of the most surprising and shattering, in the surprising history of the mobile producer-gas plant.
First of all, we saw the publication of the Mobile Producer Gas Association scheme, completely described and carefully prepared in the light of practical experience gained over some three years. It was well received by the motor trader and operator alike. It was practical and could have been commenced immediately with 200 plants per week, growing in two months to 400 plants per week. Manufacturers, in the interests of speed, economy of man-power, and economy from the operators' financial viewpoint, had agreed on a standardization of equipment to the extent of more than 70 per cent. This left sufficient margin for individual design and development.
Referring again to the scheme, the Mobile Producer Gas Association presented it to the new Director of Producer Gas, and was asked to attend the Ministry in order to give a full explanation and to answer Various questions arising from it. At the interview, the Association was informed that the scheme could now be judged, and that a reply could be expected in about seven days.
Duke Again Takes Action
In the meantime, the Duke of Montrose—champion of producer gas ,—had' become alarmed. Not only 'had the noble Lords in the House suffered a complete snub from Lord Leathers (readers will recall that they had decided to adopt the Duke's own scheme for 50,000 mobile plants), but also, since the debate in question, the country had had two Directors of Producer Gas, although not a single gas plant! The noble Duke, therefore, again jerked the Government from its masterly, inactivity, by tabling another motion.
In opening the debate the Duke referred to the boilirk down of the original scheme to 10,000 plants, and pointed out that, if that were all the Government envisaged, it made little practical difference to our national oil position. He referred to the Association's scheme, saying that it "would greatly simplify the matter." He also urged that operatetrs, compelled to fit and purchase such equipment, should have the right to choose which plant they liked. With regard to fuel, the Duke pointed out how wrong it was to con centrate on anthracite. Transport difficulties in arranging distribution all over the country would be enormous. He askedwhy not regionalize the country, and use the fuels available in each region—particularly carbonized fuels of which there was 15 times the quantity of ilthracite.
In conclusion, the Duke pointed out the dangers arising out of the German thrusts at the Caucasus, if they were successful.
Lord Leathers; in replying, stated that when one takes a decision for production it is several months before anything like a large number of these plants can be in operation. He then said "we are completing, we have just completed—designs in respect of them and within a few days I expect to place an order for 5,000 . ." In other words it will be several months before any—not a large number—are o-ri the roads. Not until the works are really eirganized'and tooled up does he expect a production of 400 per week.
Most of the big manufacturers of goods vehicles, and their agents,+ are co-operating in the scheme. In this connection, we would point o,ut that, whilst this may be so, surely these very manufacturers and their agents must be already working at full pressure. Therefore, if they actively cooperate, a serious added diversion of effort will be experienced by the operators who already cannot easily obtain either spares or service. However, Lord Leathers explains that it was on:y in that *ay that he could expect to get the result he aimed at.
With regard to fuel, the Minister says that stocks are being accurnula.ted by the operating companies, and it is in that manner that he has taken care of the fuel position. Who are these operating companies? Do they know that Lord Leathers is also ' planning to ration the fuel? At least, the Mobile Producer Gas Association members have a letter from the director saying that it will be necessary.
As to policy, Lord Leathers thought that the House was divided on April 28 on the issue "Whether all the plants should be of the Government emergency type, or whether the matter should be opened up for all the known plants then being made." That is completely untrue. The House was, in fact, divided on the clear issue as to whether the scheme should be for
50,000 plants or 10,000. He also thought that the small number of other makers would not be able to do much, and that only by concentrating on the Government emergency plants could he get through with the 10,000 programme
Finally, his Lordship referred to Viscount Ridley, saying that Nothing attached to any difference —no difference existed—but that it wasViscount Ridley's decision to leave. He was very sorry to have lOst Viscount Ridley's services."
So then, we have the position. The Government has decided to hold tight to its baby—the Emergency Producer. An order will be placed down, and a considerable time must elapse before any plants are forthcoming.
An Unwise Decision
Writing, as chairman of the Mobile Producer Gas Association, I believe this decision to be a bad one. We can see quite clearly that the mistakes of the past will be repeated. Once the plants. are made, to whom, can the operator go for advice when trouble?—not the manufacturers, because they have made them in accordance with specification; not the agent, because he does not possess highly skilled technicians. Has the Government thought of training the drivers? Does the Government plan to train the motor manufacturers and their agents in producer gas? Some of the Association's members have had seven years' experience with producer gas and are still learning every day. It will take a considerable time to train motor agents to fit and service the emergency plants.
Independent manufacturers are being allowed to continue if they wish. A limited amount of steel will be allocated to them, but all orders will be subject to licence.
Lord Leathers referred to the Government plan as a large-scale experiment. An experiment surely is a device whereby a theory is tested. One wonders what theory the Government wish to test, and whether they realize that an ounce of practice is, still worth a pound of theory.