HC Deb 14 August 1916 vol 85 cc1393-4
11. Mr. BOOTH

asked if any petrol has been allotted to alien enemies in this country; and if he is aware that Germans are taking joy-rides in the parks whilst munition firms on urgent war work cannot obtain the necessary supply?

Mr. HARCOURT

Alien enemies are prohibited under the Aliens Restriction Orders from being in possession of any motor car or motor cycle, without the permission of the registration officer of their district, and I understand that the prohibition is strictly enforced. Everything possible is being done to assist munition firms in the matter of licences for petrol.

Mr. BOOTH

If I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend the name of an alien who drives a motor car about London will he immediately take steps to deprive him of petrol?

Mr. HARCOURT

I shall be glad to consider that suggestion.

12. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ascertain the period during which the prohibition of the export of petrol and benzine from Roumania was effective, and whether or not there has been any prohibition of export from Roumania of kerosine, lubricating and fuel oils, or of any other of the various petroleum products which are necessities of war?

Mr. HARCOURT

I will have inquiry made.

13. Major HUNT

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Shell Transport and Trading Company have no information as to the business of the Astra Romana Company, i.e., as to the quantities of petrol, benzine, kerosene, and other petroleum products which have been sold or delivered by that company to enemy countries during the War, or as to the value of the products so supplied to enemy countries, or as to the amount of profits derived therefrom, he can request the Shell Company to obtain such information from their partners, the Bataafsche Company, which, having paid dividends in respect of the profits made by their subsidiary companies in the years 1914 and 1915, are presumably in possession of the information or, if not, can easily obtain it, seeing that there is free postal communication between Holland and Roumania?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not at present propose to have further inquiries made into the business of the Astra Romana Company, which is incorporated in Roumania and is not under the control of any British company.