§ 26. Mr. G. MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the quantity of oil used by the Air Ministry during each of the three years ended 31st December, 1930; and how much of this was oil extracted from British coal in this country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)As regards the first part of the question, I regret that it is not in the public interest to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks. As regards the second part, only a small quantity of oil fuel extracted from British coal was con- 1167 sumed: it was used for experimental purposes.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman say if the amount of British oil in this matter is being increased, and is he trying to increase the amount?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThere is a very small amount used entirely for experimental purposes. I cannot say what will be the result of the experiment.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSCan the hon. Gentleman say how it compares in price with foreign oil?
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHCan the hon. Member say, at any rate, what proportion of the oil used by the British aircraft came from the British Empire?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI can answer the question if I am given notice.