HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 c910
5. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is his estimated saving in oil through the increased carriage of passengers and freight by railways during the next three months; and what effect this will have on the production and supply of coal.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Cuts in oil supplied for transport purposes are expected to total about 400,000 tons in the next three months. No estimate can be given of the consequential increase in rail traffic, but railways stocks of coal are the best for four years and any extra coal required should be available.

Mr. Sorensen

Could we not have some statement at an early date, perhaps immediately after the Recess, indicating what saving has been brought about by the switch-over from oil-driven vehicles to steam-driven vehicles? Might I further ask the right hon. Gentleman if he could say whether the Government are prepared, if they find that the increased cost of delivering oil is less than they assume, to revise their policy?

Mr. Jones

In reply to the first part of the question, I will certainly bear that in mind.

Mr. Sorensen

And the second?