§ 1. Mr. Asterley Jonesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a 606 statement regarding the prospective supplies of paraffin, vaporising oil and gas and diesel oils during the coming winter.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)British Companies do not produce sufficient paraffin, vaporising oil, gas oil and diesel oil to meet their requirements and the balance is only obtainable by purchase from the U.S.A. Owing to the unexpectedly high increase in the consumption of this group of oils in the United States, forward availability is uncertain, but everything possible is being done to secure adequate supplies for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Asterley JonesCan my right hon. Friend give any indication whether the supplies will be better or worse than they were last winter?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am afraid I cannot say. It depends entirely on whether the imports are up to expectation.
§ Mr. DribergWill my right hon. Friend do all he can to safeguard the interests of domestic users of paraffin in country districts where there is no gas or electricity?
§ Mr. ShinwellNaturally, we are very much concerned about that type of consumer, but I must repeat that it depends on the availability of supplies from overseas.
§ 10. Mrs. Jean Mannasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will allocate increased or normal supplies of kerosene, paraffin oil, to tenants sharing houses in the urban areas.
§ Mr. ShinwellTenants sharing houses are entitled to register for priority supplies under the Kerosene (Paraffin Oil) Priority Scheme if they are dependent solely on paraffin oil for heating, lighting or cooking. I am unable to authorise a general increase in deliveries of paraffin oil by the Petroleum Board to dealers in view of the supply position.