Major Lloydasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the reasons why only 3,000 gas-producer units have been distributed throughout the country since 1938 and no more than 100 are in regular service; and what has become of the remainder?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe total number of gas-producer units manufactured and distributed in this country since 1938 is not known, and I am therefore unable to say whether my hon. and gallant Friend's estimate is correct. While it would not be in the public interest to disclose the number in regular service to-day it is considerably more than 100. Many firms purchased gas-producer units, not for immediate use, but to insure against a possible shortage of liquid fuel in the future.