§ 53. Mr. G. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister if the Government are prepared at once to take advantage of Messrs. S. Pearsons and Sons' offer to place their staff at the national disposal by immediately introducing legislation to enable this expert knowledge to be utilised in boring and exploring for oil, which is a vital motive power for the British Navy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add any thing to the answer which I gave on the 15th July to the hon. Members for Leominster and Leicester.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWhen is it hoped to introduce legislation to deal with this vital subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid that it may not be possible to introduce it before the Recess.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole plan for boring for oil in this country has been delayed, while awaiting the settlement of 1806 a Government squabble, and that meanwhile the oil, which is vital for the Navy, is not being bored for in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope that there will be no delay. Up to now there has been none.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHas there not been delay since March last?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think not. I think that the machinery has not been ready.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that the sole opposition comes from the landlord interest in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is not my information.
§ Major McMICKINGIs it not a fact that engineers and machinery are actually in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI believe that they are now.