HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc693-4
30 and 31. Captain WRIGHT

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) if he will now state the names of the three firms with Which the Ministry have been negotiating agreements for boring for oil; what are the terms of the agreements; what, if any, effect upon these terms will the new Petroleum Bill have if it becomes law; (2) the number and names of the British firms which, subject to obtaining certain priority certificates, are now in a position to commence boring for oil in the United Kingdom?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

I cannot usefully add anything to the reply given by my hon. Friend to my hon. Friend on the 21st March last except that the negotiations are not yet completed. Any terms arranged will, however, be subject to any legislation that may be passed.

Captain WRIGHT

What are the reasons which have delayed the completion of these agreements?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

There are some difficult points to settle.