HC Deb 10 July 1919 vol 117 cc1997-8
40. Sir J. D. REES

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information regarding the discovery of oil in Norfolk?

The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

I have been asked to answer this question. I have no information regarding the discovery in Norfolk of liquid petroleum. It has been known for a long time that the Kimmeridge Shales of Norfolk would yield considerable quantities of oil on distillation. The utility of this oil for commercial purposes depends, however, on the extent to which it might prove possible to eliminate the very high percentage of sulphur which it contains.

Sir A. FELL

Does the Government propose to do anything to develop these?

Mr. KELLAWAY

We are doing everything possible to develop every possible source of oil in this country.