§ 54. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the Report of the Profiteering Sub-Committee to the effect that there is a grave danger of a world-famine in motor 630 spirit even at fabulous prices, and that the sole remedy for this country is a largely increased production of home and Empire produced motor fuel, of which power alcohol is a potentially unlimited source of supply; and will he state what action the Government propose to take to foster the production of power alcohol in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of this question. It formed the subject of inquiry by a Committee appointed by the Petroleum Executive, who reported last year. As a result of their report the Fuel Research Board have appointed an Alcohol Investigation Officer to continue the inquiry. The Board of Trade and the Board of Customs and Excise are also looking into the question, which is a very complex one and does not admit of any ready solution.