HC Deb 19 July 1933 vol 280 cc1791-2
2. Mr. BATEY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount of oil purchased by his Department which has been extracted from coal; and if it is intended to use more of this oil in the immediate future?

The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Captain Euan Wallace)

The quantities of oil produced by the low-temperature carbonisation and hydrogenation of coal purchased by the Admiralty were:

Tons.
In 1929 … … … 20
1930 … … … 540
1931 … … … 224
1932 … … … 570
1933 … … … 3,025
Offers of oil of suitable quality produced from coal will always be considered provided the price is satisfactory.

Mr. BATEY

Is it intended to go on increasing the quantity?

Captain WALLACE

Yes, if the price is satisfactory.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what proportion this represents of the oil used in the Navy?

Captain WALLACE

I could not answer that question without notice.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the total tonnage?

Captain WALLACE

With notice.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Was it in 1929 that oil was first used by the Admiralty?

Captain WALLACE

I should have to have notice of that question also, but I think it is very likely.