§ 18. Mr. WEIGALLasked where the reserve supply of petrol for Army use is stored; and whether this supply is obtained under contract, and, if so, the date of the contract?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I have already informed the hon. Gentleman the question of storage of a reserve of petrol is now under consideration. The reserve supplies in the hands of contractors for the 1469 Army are greatly in excess of the annual requirements for this service.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it the fact that though there are reserve supplies in the hands of contractors the Government themselves have no claim upon any reserve supplies at all?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is the case with regard to nearly everything the War Office consumes.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not unsatisfactory there should be no reserves on which the Government can lay their hands in case of emergency?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I have informed the House, this matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. WEIGALLAre we to understand there is no contract at all now to supply either the ordinary petrol or any reserve as distinguished from the ordinary petrol being used?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir, the hon. Gentleman must not understand that. There is a large contract running and with regard to reserves, that is under consideration.