§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence approximately how many gallons of fuel were used by the Armed Forces in 1973, in total and for each of the Services; what was the cost of this fuel; how much he estimates will be spent on fuel in the current year at the new prices; and what steps he will take to save fuel in view of its increased cost.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe approximate quantities and costs of oil fuels which will have been used by the Armed Services during the financial year 1973–74—figures for the calendar year 1973 are not available—are as follows:
Quantity (million gallons) Cost (£ million) Royal Navy 320 24 Army 144 19 Royal Air Force 442 43 TOTAL 906 86 The figure included for all oil products including lubricants in Defence Estimates for the financial year 1974–75 (HC Paper 13) is £89.75 million but this does not reflect price increases since the end of 1973.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy said on 21st March—[Vol. 870, c. 160]—the need for economy in the use of all oil fuels remains of the utmost importance, and the Armed Services are continuing to exercise the maximum economy consistent with safeguarding their capability and efficiency.