§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consensus has emerged from replies to the procurement executive of the Ministry of Defence letter AX/395/017 AX/403/01 of 10th January 1974 concerning possible specification changes to increase potential jet fuel availability; and what action he will take concerning the possible changes listed therein.
§ Mr. William RodgersConsultations undertaken by my Department have established a consensus that certain departures from the current specifications for jet fuel, which would have the effect of permitting a larger proportion of the crude oil to be used, could be made without detriment to flight safety. Such departures from current specifications do, however, have certain drawbacks. They tend to increase smoke emission and smell and may have some effect on engine life. 121W They are, therefore, conceived as temporary measures.
The question of what departures would be acceptable in the longer term is under consideration with other national fuel specification authorities. In the case of fuel used for military aircraft, my Department has, as a short-term measure, so far granted one concession, relating to the aromatic content of jet fuel. Any action concerning the specification for jet fuel used in civil aircraft would be a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority.