§ 25. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of War Transport what encouragement is being given to the main line railway companies to adapt their steam locomotives to the burning of oil fuel instead of coal.
§ Mr. BarnesThis is a matter which has so far been left to the initiative of the railway companies. The Great Western Railway have adapted a number of freight engines to burn oil fuel and are planning to adapt some express passenger engines.
§ Mr. ErrollWill the Government perhaps give some practical encouragement by abolishing the Revenue duty on imported fuel oil?
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeTaking a long term view, would it not be highly undesirable for any major section of our transport system to depend entirely upon fuel imported from overseas?
§ Mr. BarnesWe will certainly take that into consideration.
§ Mr. Hector HughesCan the Minister say whether any of the larger locomotives have been adapted to jet propulsion?