, JUNE 2 6 , 194 2 Fuel for Industry
Much the largest part of our coal is consumed in industry and transport, and it is there, consequently, that fuel economy can effect the greatest practical relief. It is satisfactory to learn now that through the Federation of British Industries, the National Union of Manu- facturers and the British Chamber of Commerce an approach has been made to no fewer than 65 trade associations, pressing them to establish fuel-efficiency committees. During the last war, when there was a similar need to economise consumption of coal, much progress was initiated on these lines ; and in the post-war years many improvements in method were introduced. But there is a clear difference between- the war-time and the post-war purpose which ought not to be lost sight of. During peace the final aim is not to save coal, but to save money ; and fuel-saving changes are naturally only introduced where there is clear evidence that they will p pay. During war, on the other hand, the object is to save fuel for its own sake, and any change which has that effect ought to be adopted, even if it is barely remunerative. Indeed, we should go further and insist that arrangements should be made in suitable cases for enabling fuel to be saved at a loss. There has been far too much tendency to view coal shortage as something whose hardship must be heaped on the domestic consumer. Industry has in reality a much broader back.
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