§ 23. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how last year's total tonnage of refined oil products made in this country compares with the total tonnage made in 1938.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)The output of refined oil products in the United Kingdom in 1950, including the quantities lost and used in the refining process, was approximately 9.4 million tons. In 1938 the corresponding figure was 2.5 million tons.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes not the second figure show that the recent statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on a party platform, that before the war no oil was refined in this country and that the Labour Government had introduced a new industry, had no foundation in fact?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerSince refineries are now being constructed which will give an output in 1953 of 21 million tons—about eight or nine times as much as in 1938—I think that my right hon. Friend's words were fully justified.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the amount of home refining in this country before the war was decided upon partly in the light of risk from air raids; and is he satisfied that this great increase of refineries in these small islands is not without anxiety, in view of the risk of atom bomb attack?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am not imputing any blame on the Government or on the companies before the war. I think that the reasons for the construction of the new refineries are very strong, especially on economic grounds.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the Minister say how much of this refinement took place at White's Club?
§ Mr. ErrollCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much of the present output of refined oil is produced by nationalised industries?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAll the refineries belong to private companies, of course, but the Government have given them strong support.