HC Deb 18 March 1931 vol 249 c2024 The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Rear-Admiral BEAMISH: 48. "To ask the Secretary for Mines if he will state what are the intentions of the Government in view of their acceptance of the resolution on the Navy Estimates that it is desirable for strategic and economic reasons to help in providing employment, that energetic steps be taken to encourage the use of oil fuel for the Royal Navy from our own coal?
Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

On a point of Order. May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, on what principle questions are transferred from one Minister to another. This question was put down to the Prime Minister, and it deals with the great question of the intentions of the Government and of large-scale employment. It has been transferred from the Prime Minister to the Secretary for Mines, but I had a very strong wish that it should be answered by the Prime Minister.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister responsible for the particular questions which are raised is the one who answers.

Sir G. HAMILTON

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister, as Leader of the House, is responsible for questions of policy?

Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

May I ask if the Mines Department are responsible for experiments in oil fuel?

Mr. SHINWELL

The hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Rear-Admiral Beamish) may rest assured that when suitable oils are produced from coal in sufficient quantities at reasonable prices, the Admiralty will purchase them for use in the Royal Navy. The problem is one of production and on that point I cannot add anything to the answers I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 11th March, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald) an the 10th March.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that offers of bulk supplies have already been made and that the case was raised in the House the other day by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty?

Mr. SHINWELL

I have heard something to that effect, but I understand that the Admiralty have the point under consideration.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answer means that the Admiralty are going to sit down and wait for the oil to be available?