HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1755-6
28. Mr. Alfred Edwards

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has any recent statistics relating to the number of private motor-cars, commercial lorries and omnibuses running on substitute fuels in the United Kingdom; the annual consumption of the various substitute fuels; whether progress is being made in the design and manufacture of producer-gas apparatus; and whether his Department is paying attention to the development of this means of propulsion in connection with postwar transportation plans.

Mr. Noel-Baker

As the answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question includes the figures of vehicles licensed to run on a variety of alternative fuels, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret that I have no information about the quantities of fuel which these vehicles consume. I am glad to assure my Hon. Friend that satisfactory progress has been made, and is still being made, in the design and manufacture of producer gas units under the Government scheme, and that experience of lasting value is being gained.

Mr. Edwards

Is the Minister satisfied that producer-gas devices are suitable for omnibuses, and has he considered the complaints of the effect of fumes on passengers?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is another question, but I have considered the complaints that have been made.

Following is the information referred to: