§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce fuel consumption by the Armed Forces.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, as a means of conserving petrol, he will request the Service chiefs and personnel not to use aeroplanes, helicopters and road vehicles, where, without interference to any detrimental extent, public transport can be used.
§ Mr. PymConsumption of fuel by the Armed Forces has been reduced by about 10 per cent. since 1973–74 and remains strictly controlled. All members of the Armed Forces know that they must avoid the unnecessary use of Service transport of any kind, but I am ensuring that they are reminded of the fresh importance of conserving all forms of energy, in particular oil, and I am examining what further measures of restraint can be taken without detriment to operational efficiency.