§ 16 and 17. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number of diesel generators put at his disposal on loan to help industry by each of the three fighting Services, respectively;
(2) how many applications he has received from industry for backing for the purchase of diesel generators held by his Department or for the loan of Service generators; and if he is satisfied that adequate publicity has been given to the fact that these generators are available.
§ Sir S. CrippsAbout 1,250 diesel and petrol generating sets of suitable types and sizes have been made available by the Service Departments for loan to industry; approximately 650 by the War Office, 350 by the Air Ministry, and 250 by the Admiralty. Applications for these sets are dealt with regionally, and have been entertained only from firms in the areas affected by the industrial power cuts. There have been a large number of such applications, but information as to the exact number is not available. My Department does not hold any diesel generator sets for sale. Applications to purchase sets from Government surpluses are dealt with by the Ministry of Supply. I consider that there has been adequate publicity.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartCan the President of the Board of Trade say whether any steps are being taken to have these machines built during the next three or four months?
§ Sir S. CrippsThat is another question.
§ Sir J. LucasIs the Minister satisfied that this is the full number available, because my information is to the contrary?
§ Sir S. CrippsThese are the numbers we have so far been able to make immediately available, but inquiries are continuing.