HC Deb 28 May 1940 vol 361 cc407-8
37. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he accepts the estimate that, on the average, vehicles already fitted with producer-gas equipment are saving the importation of 2,000 gallons of petrol a year; whether it is his desire further to encourage the use of this fuel; and what steps it is proposed to take to bring about a satisfactory arrangement in this matter?

Mr. Grenfell

On the assumption that the types of vehicle which are suitable for conversion to producer gas normally average 20,000 miles a year at 10 miles per gallon of petrol, I accept the hon. Member's estimate. The hon. Member will be aware that a number of steps have already been taken to encourage the use of producer gas for road transport. I am expecting shortly to receive from the committee set up by my predecessor a report on what further steps should be taken.

Mr. Smith

Will the Minister take steps to expedite the publication of that report, and will he also see that the Mines Department exert the same vigour in this respect as other Departments are doing in other matters?

Mr. Grenfell

I have asked that there should be the utmost speed in connection with this matter.

38. Mr Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of fuel for producer-gas vehicles, while a fuel-producer plant has recently shut down; and what action is being taken to deal with this problem?

Mr. Grenfell

While ample supplies of fuel are available for the vehicles already in operation and, indeed for a much larger number, a great expansion of producer-gas traction would necessitate a substantial increase in supplies of fuel, and this matter is being carefully watched. I naturally regret the closing down of a plant which is a potential source of fuel, but I can see no ground for Government financial assistance in this case.

62. Mr. Smith

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the desirability that alternative motive power, other than petrol, should be utilised for vehicles, what action is being taken; and why are drivers not being trained or receiving special tuition in order that the best results can be obtained from the use of producer-gas?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Montague)

In reply to the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Secretary for Mines on 20th March, 1940. As regards the second part of the Question, facilities already exist which I have no reason to believe are inadequate for the training of drivers of vehicles driven by producer-gas.