Hi
We should remember that the 'Dowding' system had to be flexible as it had to react to the enemy's changing tactics. Dowding's Despatch mentions the following in para 215:
"One very tiresome feature was that a considerable proportion of ultra-high-flying raids was missed by the Intelligence system, or reported so late that time was not available to climb and intercept. This made it necessary to employ standing patrols just below oxygen height (about 16.000 feet). These patrols climbed to intercept at extreme height when ordered to do so. This cut into the roots of the Fighter Command system, which was designed to ensure economy of effort by keeping aircraft on the ground except when required to make an interception."
So obviously they had the fuel to undertake those missions, indeed they were more worried about the oxygen supply lasting (these were standard aircraft) which is why they patrolled below oxygen height.
Mike