HC Deb 05 March 1931 vol 249 cc573-4
79. Mr. G. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of petrol imported into this country during each of the last three years ended 31st December, 1930?

Mr. SHINWELL

According to the Trade and Navigation Returns, the quantity of petrol imported as such into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during each of the last three years was as follows:

Year. Quantity (Million gallons).
1928 … … … 735
1929 … … … 810
1930 … … … 955

In addition the following quantities of petrol were produced in this country from imported oil:

Year. Quantity (Million gallons).
1928 … … … 153
1929 … … … 162

Information for 1930 is not yet available.

80. Mr. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of oil made from British coal in this country; and the number of persons employed in this process during each of the last three years ended the 31st December, 1930?

Mr. SHINWELL

Accurate figures of quantities of oil made from British coal in this country are not available, but the following estimates are probably sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. It is estimated that 45–48 million gallons of crude benzol, yielding about 32 million gallons of motor fuel, were produced in 1930, chiefly from gas produced at coke oven plants. In addition, creosote oil for use as oil fuel is obtained from the distillation of coal tar. Estimates for 1930 are not available, but in 1929 about 320,000 tons of creosote oil were obtained from the distillation of about two million tons of crude coal tar. I have no information as to the number of persons employed in connection with the production of these fuels.

Mr. MACDONALD

Will it be possible to get information regarding the number of persons employed?

Mr. SHINWELL

We are not satisfied with the information in relation to oil production in this country, and we are endeavouring to furnish definite statistics.

Mr. TINKER

Will it be possible to get information as to the number of tons of coal used in the production of oil?

Mr. SHINWELL

We are also endeavouring to obtain information upon that point.