§ 73. Mr. Bramallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much of the planned increase in civilian oil imports in 1948 compared with 1947, as shown in the Economic Survey for 1948, is due to the increased industrial consumption of fuel oil; how much is required to safeguard civilian stocks; and why increased quantities are required to safeguard civilian stocks in view of the abolition of the basic petrol ration and other economies.
§ Mr. RobensThe figures shown in the Economic Survey for 1948 allow for the coal-oil conversion programme being carried out in full. On this basis consumption of fuel oil in 1948 would be about 2¼ million tons higher than in 1947, but, as I announced at a Press Conference on the 18th December, transport and supply difficulties have made it necessary to slow down the original programme. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the amounts required to safeguard civilian stocks, but 3346 the savings achieved by the abolition of the basic ration and the other economies made have been taken into account.
§ Mr. BramallWill my hon. Friend see that that explanation is issued to reassure those who have read the Economic Survey and have been rather puzzled by the fact that at a time when economies in petrol are being made more oil is being purchased from overseas?
§ Mr. RobensYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ErrollIs it not the case that we are getting more fuel into this country only at the expense of the basic petrol ration?
§ Mr. RobensNo, not necessarily.
§ Mr. OsborneWill the Parliamentary Secretary examine the position in which manufacturing companies cannot get oil for their new installations, when it is being given to domestic consumers, which is making it very difficult for firms supporting the export drive to do their work?
§ Mr. RobensWe are aware of this problem, and the Minister will shortly make a statement on the coal-oil conversion programme.