HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 cc934-6W
Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider allowing car owners who wish to do so to save up their basic ration coupons for a period of several months instead of, as at present, having to store the actual petrol.

Mr. Shinwell

The supply position makes it impossible at present to extend the period of validity of basic ration coupons beyond the two months already allowed.

Squadron-Leader Donner

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the figures of the available supplies of oil within the sterling area; the volume of such production; the number of tankers at present available for normal functioning; and whether he will make a statement regarding the measures planned, or already in hand, to free tanker tonnage for normal use.

Mr. Shinwell

I am not prepared to publish figures of supplies available to meet military needs, and in any event figures regarding present availability and production would be misleading owing to the readjustments which are now taking place.

As regards tankers, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of War Transport. I understand that tankers are being released from control by the United Maritime Authority as from 31st October, and further con-

Station. Built by. Operated by.
Earley, Nr. Reading Central Electricity Board Edmundsons' Electricity Corporation.
Little Barford, Nr. St. Neots. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Power Station Company Limited. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Electricity Company.
Mexborough Yorkshire Electric Power Company Yorkshire Electric Power Company
Castle Meads, Gloucester Corporation of Gloucester Corporation of Gloucester.
Letchworth First Garden City Limited First Garden City Limited.
Llynfi, Glamorgan South Wales Power Station Company Limited. South Wales Power Company.

Mr. Hobson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what consultations have taken place between the Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association and the Association of Power Companies on the future of electricity supply since July 1945.

Mr. Shinwell

Neither of these Associations has communicated with my Ministry since July, 1945, on the future of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Grey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he is taking to meet the need of an electric generating station at Kepier, Durham, owing to the many industries and trades in the district and, in particular, to assist the North Eastern Electric Supply Company to erect such a plant in the mentioned area.

Mr. Shinwell

The North Eastern Electric Supply Company, in conjunction with the Central Electricity Board, are making arrangements for the provision of additional generating plant by extending their existing power stations.

Mr. Steele

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by the agricultural community in Lanarkshire at the prohibitive cost of installing electric power for lighting and dairying purposes; and what steps is he prepared to take to ensure such installation at reasonable cost to the consumer.

sideration is being given to the derequisitioning of British tankers.