§ 44. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now make a statement concerning future policy for conversion from coal to oil burning in industry, in commercial premises and in private houses, in view of the present and prospective oil supply position.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesI have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) on 3rd December last.
§ Mr. NabarroReally, I must, without the least degree of disloyalty, press my right hon. Friend—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is trying to make a speech. This is Question Time.
§ Mr. NabarroIs it not the fact that it has been the policy of Her Majesty's Government throughout the last five years to encourage conversion from coal to oil burning? As there are hundreds of plants at present where that conversion is contemplated, surely my right hon. Friend should give them some guidance as to the future?
§ Mr. JonesDisloyalty is the very last thing of which I should accuse my hon. Friend. As for the question which my hon. Friend asked me to elucidate, I hope I made it clear in an answer many weeks ago—these Questions do repeat themselves—to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds). For the time being, clearly conversion to oil must be held up, but in the long-term there is no expansion for British industry unless there is recourse to oil. This is an alternative 926 from which, much though we may dislike it, there is no possible escape, and I can only ask my hon. Friend, out of loyalty, to have regard to the plain facts.
§ Mr. Hector HughesRegarding the last part of the Minister's answer to that supplementary question, may I ask whether he will distinguish between the incidence of England and Scotland, respectively, or is it the fact that the Government have no policy in this matter with regard to Scottish industry?
§ Mr. JonesMy answer was framed in a general sense, and I have no reason to believe that Scotland wishes to be treated differently from England.