§ 99 and 100. Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Transport (I) on how many of the 1,200 locomotives to be converted to oil burners has work been completed; and the number which he expects to be converted by 1st October next or the nearest convenient date;
(2) the estimated time taken to convert locomotives from coal to oil-burning; and if he will take all steps to expedite this means of saving coal.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussThirty-seven locomotives have so far been equipped for oil burning and nine are at present undergoing conversion. By the 1st August 49 will have been equipped, but I am not at present in a position to give a firm estimate beyond that date. The actual work of conversion occupies about 10 days, but it cannot be put in hand until the necessary storage installations are available, and these in turn are dependent upon deliveries of supplies and equipment. All practicable steps are being taken to expedite the completion of the scheme