§ 82. Major HUNTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether about 95 per cent, of the trade of this country in petroleum products, such as benzine, petrol, illuminating and lubricating oils, paraffin wax, etc., is under the control of alien enemies or of British companies or firms controlled by aliens; what steps have been taken since the outbreak of the War to remedy this state of affairs; and whether the Government intends to take further steps by which the control of the distribution of those commodities, which are a vital 871 necessity to this country, passes into the hands of British concerns supported by the State?
Mr. HARCOURTI am aware that a large proportion of the trade in this country of petroleum products is not under the control of British subjects. The businesses of companies trading in those products in which enemy interests predominate are being carried on under supervision, and the whole question of the steps to be taken to secure a larger British interest in the distribution of those products is at present receiving careful consideration.