HC Deb 10 December 1956 vol 562 cc18-9
26. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what efforts he proposes to make to ensure a substantial increase in the storage capacity for crude oil in this country.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Storage capacity has increased steadily in recent years in keeping with the increase in refinery capacity. The Suez crisis has underlined the need for a still greater expansion and plans are under active consideration.

Mr. Lee

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that, whether the fuel is coming through Suez or round the Cape, one of the lessons which has to be learned is that we certainly need a vast increase in storage capacity in Britain? Will he ensure that the Chancellor does not impose credit restrictions on that development?

Mr. Jones

I certainly agree with the first part of that supplementary question, and I should have thought that my main answer made that perfectly clear.