HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 cc25-6
39. Mr. BURDETT-COUTTS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, on submarines returning to port, the petrol remaining in the tanks and unfit for further use in the submarines, is made full use of for purposes of land service?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Cases have not come under notice in which petrol is returned by submarines as unfit for further use afloat.

Mr. BURDETT-COUTTS

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether in most cases this petrol is not pumped out into the water, and whether it could not be easily discharged into barges or other floating receptacles and further use made of it?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will certainly do that.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inquire as to the "M.L." boats, and see that they empty their petrol into tanks when they come in?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will look into that.