Mr. Edwardsasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what steps are being taken to ensure adequate supplies of fuel oil in the event of war?
§ Sir T. InskipA standing Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, over which a member of the Cabinet presides and on which the Service as well as the Civil Departments concerned are represented, keeps under constant review the situation as regards supplies of petroleum products for the needs of the Services, Industry and the Mercantile Marine. This co-ordinating body is responsible for estimating the quantity of reserves that should be maintained in time of peace, for examining the measures that should be taken to ensure security of fuel supplies, for keep-772W ing under review the question of tanker tonnage for use in time of war, for preparing schemes of control, and for all matters related to oil fuel supplies in time of war. Action to give effect to the recommendations of the Oil Board, after approval by the Committee of Imperial Defence, is taken by the Government Departments concerned.