HC Deb 19 December 1912 vol 45 cc1683-4
70. Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the Bill which has been introduced into the Reichstag dealing with the supply of petroleum; and whether he can inform the House as to what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of the Navy?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY {Mr. Churchill)

The Bill referred to has been described in the Press, and appears to have reference to the regulation of competition and prices of petroleum oils, principally for lighting purposes, in the general interests of German consumers. The second part of the hon. Member's question relates to an independent matter, namely, the supply of fuel oil for the British Navy, and I can only repeat what I have already stated in reply to the hon. Member for Yarmouth on the 11th instant, that all possible steps are being and will be taken to obtain supplies for His Majesty's Navy on the best terms.

Mr. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

With reference to the answer to the first part of the question, does not the right hon. Gentleman think a Bill of the kind would safeguard the interests of the consumers?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am afraid I cannot go into that.

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