The Committee is on safer ground in recommending the Govern-
ment to encourage, and at the same time control, the production of alternatives to petrol—namely, benzol and power alcohol. Benzol, a by-product of coal distillation, was produced in large quantities during the war, but the total output did not exceed a fifth of the quantity of petrol imported. The future doubtless lies with power alcohol, but the industry has yet to be developed. Meanwhile petrol continues to be the chief motor.fuel. II would be as well for motor-users not to found excessive hopes on the policy suggested by the Committee. Any hasty attempt to fix prices here for what is mainly an American product might lead us into serious complications. Nor is it very probable that the American Government would care to co-operate with us in such an attempt to reduce their own citizens' trading profits.
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