HC Deb 25 May 1938 vol 336 c1208
47. Mr. Day

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the fact that there is practically 70,000,000 gallons of petrol and/or white inflammable spirit stored in the London area and the damage that would therefore arise in an emergency, he will consider introducing legislation prohibiting the storage of large quantities of such spirit in tanks above ground and making the storage a national responsibility and thereby relieving local authorities from such cost?

The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas I nskip)

The hon. Member's suggestion will be noted. The hon. Member, however, is not correctly informed as to the quantity of petrol and inflammable spirit stored in the London area.

Mr. Day

Will the Minister consider making regulations or introducing legislation to ensure that when oil is held in such large bulk it shall be stored in underground tanks?