63. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the new Defence of the Realm Regulation 2 AAA, which relates to the getting of petroleum in the United Kingdom and was published in the "London Gazette" of 18th January, any and, if so, what arrangements have been made with persons having interests in the land or persons desirous of boring for the oil; and whether the payment of royalties is a feature of any of these arrangements?
§ Sir WORTHINGTON EVANS (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions)Negotiations are in progress. I am not in a position to make any statement in the matter.
Mr. WHITEIs the question of the compensation of landlords to be left to the general discretion of the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission as in other cases where lands are entered upon under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, or are there to be special rules of compensation in petroleum cases?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWill the hon. Member kindly hand that in?
Mr. H. SAMUELCan the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that this House will have an opportunity of discussing the matter before any binding arrangements are entered into which will involve the payment of royalties?
§ Sir W. EVANSI think there is not any intention to pay royalties. If there is a responsibility, it will come before the. Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.