asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the poor quality of present-day supplies of paraffin, which result in the inefficient operation of incubators and brooders and the danger to stock from fumes and fires, he will allow petroleum distributors to market burning oils of better quality.

I am prepared to consider proposals from the petroleum industry for the marketing of a better quality burning oil, provided this can be done without causing serious storage or supply difficulties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vital necessity to poultry producers of pure paraffin in order to maintain the poultry population, and might I say that his answer is an agreeable surprise and that all concerned, including myself, are grateful?

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether oil can now be provided for those firms whose conversion from coal to oil burning was deferred.

Yes, Sir. The fuel oil position has now improved sufficiently to make it possible to supply those firms whose conversion to oil burning, though approved, had to be deferred in December, 1947. As regards new applications for fuel oil, these will be granted, for the time being, only where the use of oil has exceptional economic advantages or the use of alternative fuels is impracticable.