§ 9. Mr. HORNERasked whether, having regard to the amount of foreign capital now invested in British Colonies in exploiting and developing the oil industry and to the increasing number of foreigners yearly employed by British-owned oil companies in British Colonies, and to the possibility of powerful trusts being able to corner the oil market and control the output, and to the vast importance of oil fuel for naval purposes, His Majesty's Government will consider the question of endeavouring to get the different British Colonial Governments to reserve to themselves all or substantial portions of the oil-bearing lands within their respective territories and otherwise keep control of and assist this industry?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, Sir. It has for a long time received attention.