§ Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has considered the implications of the report of the British Productivity Council and its emphasis on the need for a nation-wide, comprehensive and far-reaching campaign for the saving of fuel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydYes. The Productivity Team have performed a valuable service in stressing again the need for saving fuel. Their technical recommendations are primarily for action by industrial users and by the new Fuel Efficiency Company, which the British Productivity Council are setting up, at the Government's invitation, to give industry an expanded service of technical advice. On wider issues, the Government's policy continues to be guided by the Ridley Committee's preference for consumer freedom and competition between industries rather than authoritarian control.
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§ Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many applications have so far been received for Government loans for the installation of fuel-saving equipment; how many loans have been made; and for what amount.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydSeventy-nine applications for Government loans have been made since the end of May, 1952. Seven loans have been approved totalling £84,000. Thirty-seven applications totalling about £190,000 are still under consideration for loans. The remaining 35 applications have been withdrawn by the applicants or rejected.