HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 c792
13. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Transport how many locomotives will be converted to oil burning between now and the end of the year, and in the next six months, respectively.

15. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to speed up the conversion of locomotives on the four main line railways from coal burning to oil, in view of the fact that the necessary storage installation equipment will be completed by the end of February, 1948.

Mr. Callaghan

Ninety locomotives have so far been converted, and three more will be dealt with by the end of the year. The actual rate of conversion must depend on supplies of fuel oil.

Commander Noble

Will the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that this conversion is still being proceeded with?

Mr. Callaghan

Yes, Sir. The railways have done a lot of the work on the ground, but we do not want the conversions to outrun the supplies of oil.

Mr. Erroll

As the Minister of Fuel and Power has said there will be sufficient fuel oil available for all the conversions, why is there all this delay?

Mr. Callaghan

Well, I am not the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

The hon. Member soon will be.