§ 128. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what basis is the price fixed for gas oil supplied to gas works for enriching town gas; what are 22W the current prices; and how does consumption of gas oil compare today with one and two years ago.
§ Mr. RobensThe price of gas oil supplied to gas works is based on the cost of importation and delivery. The subsidy previously paid to gas undertakings ended on the 31st October, 1947. Current prices, except in certain outlying areas, range from 9¼d. a gallon to 9¾d. a gallon for deliveries of 500 gallons or more by road tank wagon, subject to rebates to substantial consumers varying from ¼d. to ¾d. a gallon. The consumption of gas oil for the manufacture of carburetted water gas at gas works during the twelve months ending 31st October, 1947, was 620,000 tons; in the previous 12 months it was 468,000 tons and in the 12 months before that, 400,000 tons.