§ G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether in view of the short- 1948W age of coal supplies, arrangements can now be made to facilitate supplies of crude oil for oil-burning heating plant; and whether he can give any indication of the stocks of oil in this country and the position with regard to imports.
Mr. Shin wellI regret that until the future supply position of fuel oil is clearer it will not be possible for me to consider requests for the release of fuel oil in place of other fuels. Fuel oil stocks in this country were about 515,000 tons at nth October, and are falling. Reliable estimates of imports cannot be made in present circumstances, but every effort is being made to improve the position.
§ G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when it is expected that oil permits for Quiet May oil burner apparatus for use in churches are likely to be issued.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him in answer to his other Question this afternoon.