HC Deb 30 March 1949 vol 463 cc1210-1
43. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he is taking to ensure a sufficient supply of kerosene for jet propelled aircraft of the Royal Air Force.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Supplies of kerosene are obtained by the Air Ministry under contractual arrangements with the oil industry, and there has been no difficulty in obtaining the requirements of the R.A.F. The technical and supply questions arising from the increased consumption which is to be expected in the future are under active consideration.

Colonel Hutchison

Can the Minister say whether, in view of the expansion contemplated in jet propelled aircraft, the plans of the oil refining companies are going to keep pace with the demands for kerosene in the future?

Mr. Henderson

That question had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Erroll

Is the Minister aware that agricultural tractors consume a great deal of paraffin when they could burn petrol, and so ease the load on the refineries?

Mr. Henderson

That is another question.