§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been, or will be, taken to develop the latent oil resources of Trinidad?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)There are fourteen companies at present en- 40 gaged in the oil industry in Trinidad. Three hundred and sixty-five wells have been sunk, and during November, 1917, to which the latest Returns refer, 146 wells were actually being worked and the quantity of crude oil produced amounted to upwards of 4,500,000 imperial gallons. Applications for further oil licences and leases receive the careful consideration of the Colonial Office and of the Trinidad Government, but by far the larger part of the presumed oilfield is already under licence or lease.