HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 c253W
76. Mr. Low

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the amount of diesel oil which it is planned to import in 1948; how much of this will be used by motor-buses and coaches; and whether he will state the corresponding figures for 1947.

Mr. Gaitskell

The Trade and Navigation Accounts show that imports of gas oil, which includes diesel oil used by motor-buses and coaches, amounted in 1947 to about 1,600,000 tons. Subject to supply and tanker availability it is proposed to import about 1,800,000 tons of gas oil into the United Kingdom in 1948. The level of consumption of diesel oil by motor-buses and coaches is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport but I am advised that consumption in 1948 may be slightly below the 1947 figure of 520,000 tons.