§ 33. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will furnish information as to the annual production of petrol, Diesel oil, and crude oil, respectively, from Scottish shale deposits; and whether it is the intention of the Government to 954 extend operations in the shale field as part of their defence programme?
§ Captain CrookshankFor each of the past five years, the output of crude oil and naphtha from Scottish shale has been about 30,000,000 gallons. The production of petrol and diesel oil in that period has varied according to market requirements, petrol production varying from 6¾ to 14⅓ million gallons, and diesel oil from about 4½ to 11½ million gallons. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to pages 17 and 97 of my last annual report. As regards the second part of the question, the position of the Scottish shale industry as a home source of oil supplies has not been overlooked.
§ Mr. MathersCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me the particulars for each year with respect to the variations in gallonage which he has indicated?
§ Captain CrookshankNot now, Sir.