§ 33. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the approximate number of British firms now dependent on oil power.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe total number is not known, but some 1,500 firms each use for burning 500 tons or more of oil a year and together account for about 85 per cent. of all the oil so used by industry.
§ Mr. AllaunWhilst appreciating the Minister's difficulties, may I ask him whether his reply is not an admission that he does not really know how many firms and how many workers will be thrown idle when oil is cut by 20 per cent. on 1st January? Further, on what grounds could he reply last week that he did not think that serious unemployment was likely to result? This is a vital issue, and we are being left in the dark.
§ Mr. JonesThe hon. Gentleman may perhaps be unaware of the fact that a questionnaire is being sent to each of these oil-using firms. When the questionnaires are in, I think I shall be in a better position to assess more exactly the effects which the restriction may have on each one of them.