asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state (a) the total amount of kerosene imported during the period commencing 1st February, 1941, and ending the 31st October, 1941, giving the amount for each month, and setting out how those monthly amounts have been allocated as between the various interests supplied; (b) the amount of petrol used for blending purposes in each month for the production of compound tractor fuel; (c) the total number of tractors that are at present in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import and Distribution of Kerosene.
The particulars asked for in the first part of the question, so far as they are available, are set out in a statement which will be circulated with the Official Report. There are several hundreds of classes of users of kerosene, but I have segregated them into three main categories, namely, tractor owners, other industrial users and domestic users. I have no information as to the allocation between the different interests prior to the introduction of the rationing scheme on 24th April, 1941.
The only information I have with regard to the query at (b) is that about 86,000 gallons of petrol were blended to produce tractor fuel in the period February to June, 1941, inclusive.
The total number of tractors at present in operation is 3,948.
The following is the statement referred to:—
MONTHLY IMPORTS AND ALLOCATIONS OF KEROSENE.
|
Month |
Imports |
Tractors |
Other Industrial Users |
Domestic Users |
Total Allocated |
|||
|
Gallons |
Gallons |
Gallons |
Gallons |
Gallons |
||||
|
February, |
1941 |
1,083,507 |
— |
— |
— |
(a) |
1,667,299 |
|
|
March, |
,, |
1,080,590 |
— |
— |
— |
(a) |
1,181,845 |
|
|
April, |
,, |
1,333,133 |
260,965 |
655 |
— |
(a) |
904,680 |
|
|
May, |
,, |
39,265 |
234,268 |
92,309 |
349 |
326,926 |
||
|
June, |
,, |
1,407,271 |
5,770 |
89,041 |
50 |
94,861 |
||
|
July, |
,, |
9,269 |
426,986 |
110,157 |
2,130 |
1539,273 |
||
|
August, |
,, |
2,267,852 |
304,818 |
105,501 |
4,060 |
414,379 |
||
|
September, |
,, |
22,605 |
235,125 |
161,780 |
(b) |
264,535 |
(b) |
661,440 |
|
October, |
,, |
67,753 |
467,905 |
173,223 |
296,615 |
937,743 |
||
|
TOTALS |
7,311,245 |
1,935,837 |
732,666 |
567,739 |
6,728,446 |
(a) Rationing is not in force until 24th April, 1941. Figures are actual sales by Oil Companies, and no information is available as to details of sales to separate categories. Up to the 24th April, 1941, Oil Companies issued 50 gallons per week to each tractor owner.
(b) Deliveries to retailers in September, 1941 were made by the Oil Companies on the basis of 20 per cent. of purchases in September, 1940, with a minimum of 5 gallons. From 1st October, 1941, delivery to retailers only on permits issued by Department.