HC Deb 27 November 1947 vol 444 cc2102-3
25 and 26. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) the amount of petrol produced in this country during 1945 and 1946; and the estimated production in 1947 and 1948 respectively;

(2) the petrol production at Heysham and Billingham I.C.I. in 1945 and 1946; and the estimated production in 1947 and 1948, respectively.

Mr. Gaitskell

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

It is not yet possible to give a firm estimate of 1948 production since, as I have already told the House, proposals for adapting part of the Heysham refinery for the production of motor spirit from imported crude oil are under examination. A decision on this is expected in the near future. The production programme at Billingham is also under review by the I.C.I. I am hoping for a substantial increase on the 1947 production.

Following is the answer:

Indigenous production and production from imported crude and process oils.
Jan.-Oct.
1945 1946 1947
thousand tons
Motor Spirit 276 691 422
Aviation Spirit 411 114 58
687 805 480

The above figures include the following production from Heysham and Billingham.

Motor Spirit 60 187 —
Aviation Spirit 411 114 58
471 301 58