HC Deb 12 June 1939 vol 348 c909W
Mr. De la Bére

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the international oil companies could withhold supplies of oil to this country or charge excessive prices in peace or war, he will give encouragement to builders of diesel ships under a subsidy scheme to provide available space necessary for the installation of producer gas plants?

Mr. Cross

I am advised that the use of producer gas in connection with diesel machinery on sea-going vessels has not developed sufficiently to make it possible to consider the adoption of the suggestion made by my hon. Friend.