HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 c539
72. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of petrol can be produced from crude oil annually at the Morecambe plant; and why no use is being made of this factory.

Mr. Gaitskell

This plant was designed and built during the war to produce high octane aviation fuel from gas oil. Proposals for adapting part of it to process crude oil are under consideration by the Government.

Sir T. Moore

Is the Minister aware that this £6 million plant has the tanks and machinery necessary to produce petrol from crude oil? In view of the present shortage, will urgent action be taken?

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir.