HC Deb 15 December 1943 vol 395 c1539
44. Mr. Jewson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what is the quantity of fuel per running mile used on main-line trains now and before the war?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I regret that the figures for which my hon. Friend asks are not available; but the average pre-war consumption of fuel per locomotive mile of all engines was 52.5 lbs., as compared with 61.44 lbs. at present. The increased consumption is due to the quality of the fuel now used, to increase in the number of freight trains run, and to heavy loading of both passenger and freight trains.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is not another factor the condition of the engines, owing to lack of repairs?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That does affect it, undoubtedly; but I am glad to say that the repairs position is better now than it was a little while ago.