§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress is being made with the construction of new oil fuel storage depots for the Navy, and how many men are being employed at each of the three ports in connection with this work; whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to put forward further proposals for extending storage accommodation in this year's Navy Estimates; and what is the capital value of the reserve of oil fuel in Home waters and overseas depots respectively
§ Mr. AMMONThe progress so far made with the construction of oil fuel storage depots, as approved by Parliament and shown in the Vote 10 of the published Navy Estimates, has been on the whole satisfactory. The only place in the three Southern ports where this work is being proceeded with is Devonport, where 15 men are employed. Proposals for proceeding with new storage accommodation in 1024–25 are still under consideration. It is not in the public interest to make public exact information as to the amount of the oil fuel reserve.