§ 3. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could report any further progress in the borings for oil in Derbyshire; if the boring which struck oil near Chesterfield was continuing to flow; if so, whether the oil was being stored; and if any further tests had been made of the quality of the oil?
§ The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)I have been asked to answer this question. Progress in the Derbyshire boring operations has recently been somewhat delayed by unavoidable accidents and difficulties in getting material. The boring at Hardstoft is still flowing at the rate of about 260 gallons a day, and the oil is being put into storage on the spot. There are about 36,500 gallons in stock. No further tests as to the quality of the oil have been made, but there is no reason to suppose that there has recently been any appreciable change in its character.
§ Sir A. FELLCan the hon. Gentleman give us any further information with regard to any of the other borings?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI will send my hon. Friend a statement.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the prospects of gaining oil are as good as they were supposed to be some months ago?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI should like to reflect on that before giving an answer.