§ 2. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the present programme for constructing United Kingdom oil refineries indicating which schemes have been approved; the magnitude of each; the dates on which they will be coming into production; and the approximate total cost and total capacity.
§ Mr. GaitskellWork has started on the construction of four plants at Llandarcy, Grangemouth, Stanlow and Shellhaven, which will increase refining capacity in this country by about 9½ million tons a year. The total cost will be approximately £46 million and it is expected that the projects will be completed at various times between the end of 1949, and the end of 1953. Other plans for extending refining capacity are being discussed with the companies concerned. If they are all carried out, United • Kingdom capacity should, in about four years, be capable of processing nearly 20 million tons of oil as compared with approximately 2½ million tons in 1947.