HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1694-5
22. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of shipping registered under the British flag for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, and the amount of this tonnage that was fitted to bum oil under boilers?

Mr. Stanley

During the 12 months January to December, 1937, the tonnage of ships reported as registered under the British flag under Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act, amounted to 1,127,148 tons gross. Of this, the total gross tonnage of steamships was 612,115, of which 220,666 gross tons are known to be fitted to bum oil under boilers.

Mr. Day

Are figures available showing the amount of tonnage that bums oil and coal at one time?

Mr. Stanley

If the hon. Member wants further information, perhaps he will put the question down.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the tendency is to burn oil?