§ 13. Mr. WATTasked the Minister of Munitions what was the reason of the Committee on Petroleum Munition Supplies adopting the figure of 100 barrels monthly in 1915 as the standard under which no allotted space would be given to importers; and is he aware that the smaller importers could not even get a hearing from the Committee when they asked for an opportunity of stating their case?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)The minimum figure of 100 barrels of lubricating oil monthly was adopted by the Advisory Committee in 1916 as the standard in order to exclude speculation, which at that date was not uncommon. Such standard represents 200 tons of oil per annum, and was sufficiently low to cover practically all genuine importers. I am not aware that the smaller importers could not get a hearing from the Committee. I only know of three instances of requests to be heard by the Committee, and, in each case, the request was granted.
§ Mr. WATTIs it the desire of the Department that all importers of oil shall have a share, large or small?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYCertainly. We have made arrangements that practically cover all genuine importers.