§ 16. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how the use in the Royal Air Force of oil produced from coal during 1933 compares with previous years; whether there has been any noticeable change in the proportion of oil from coal used as compared with June last; and what contracts for the supply of oil from coal have been entered into for the year 1934?
§ Sir P. SASSOONPrior to 1933 only small quantities of petrol extracted from coal were used by the Royal Air Force for test and experiment, but during the major part of 1933 one home defence squadron flew solely on such fuel. In view of the very satisfactory results of this trial, a contract has now been placed to cover the requirements of seven squadrons.