126. Mr. Suteliffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give an assurance that all those individual firms who have been permitted to convert their plant from coal burning to oil firing will receive adequate supplies of oil fuel during the forthcoming winter; and what steps have been taken to overcome distribution difficulties.
§ Mr. GaitskellArrangements have been made for adequate supplies of oil to firms that have completed their conversion from coal, but in view of the rapid increase in the rate of conversion it has been necessary for the Petroleum Board to warn certain firms whose conversion was due to take effect this winter to continue to use coal until oil supplies can be guaranteed. Oil distribution facilities are being expanded so that the period of waiting can be reduced as much as possible.
127. Mr. Suteliffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is intended that the 10 per cent. cut in petrol avail able for commercial vehicles should apply to vehicles used by firms primarily concerned with the export trade.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe 10 per cent. cut is being applied to all goods vehicles but114W Regional Transport Commissioners are authorised to grant supplementary allowances wherever an operator can prove his need.