§ 1. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what assessment he has made of the aggregate increased consumption, in tons, of oil, petroleum and petroleum products and consequential diminution of electricity offtake, expressed in convenient form, during each of the years 1952 and 1953, arising from withdrawal of electric trams by municipalities and others, and replacement by oil and petrol-driven omnibuses; what fuel policy guidance is being given by Her Majesty's Government to municipalities and others, in regard to future investment in electric tramways, electric trolley-omnibuses and petroleum and oil-driven omnibuses, with special reference to fuel conservation and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)There may result an increase of some 20,000 tons a year in oil consumption and a decrease of about 100 million units of electricity a year. It is the policy of the Government not to interfere, on fuel grounds, with the free choice of types of vehicle.
§ Mr. NabarroWill my right how Friend bear in mind the strategical implications of replacing electric trams, which are based on coal supplies for electricity, by vehicles requiring imported fuel, and the extra burden that would place on tanker tonnage in the event of war?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir, but the quantities are relatively small. One must also bear in mind that, in the event of air attack, an independent petrol vehicle is less of a risk from the points of view of disturbance and flexibility than the electric tram or trolley-bus.