§ Mr. Grovesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans- 1400W port whether, in view of the serious effect and hardship upon many activities of national importance, such as those of doctors, by reason of the contemplated curtailment of supplies of petrol, consideration has been given to alternative motor fuels, in particular, the methane system; and whether he has considered granting special facilities to doctors and others whose work is of national importance?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerVery full consideration has been and is being given to the possibilities of utilising alternative fuels in road vehicles. The recently announced Government scheme for the development of producer gas is one of the methods to be adopted for reducing the consumption of imported liquid fuel, and other alternatives, including the use of coal gas, methane and electricity are being examined. It should, however, be borne in mind that these alternative fuels, or the sources from which they are derived, are all in short supply. The amount of methane which can readily be made available for use is small and there are difficulties in regard to distribution. My hon. Friend the Secretary for Petroleum will give full consideration to the needs of doctors and others engaged on essential work.