§ 34. Mr. RAFFANasked the Prime Minister when he can make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to oil, and in particular with regard to the exploitation of the oil resources of Mosul?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given 591 on the 6th of May to the hon. Member for Walsall. As regards the second part, the present position as to the mineral resources of Mesopotamia is stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 3rd of June.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement made by His Majesty's Ambassador in the United States that we had nationalised the oil supply of Great Britain?
§ 49. Mr CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the price of oil has reached as high a figure as £19 per ton; if so, will the decision of the Admiralty to transform ships of His Majesty's Navy into oil-burning vessels be reconsidered; can he state the number and tonnage of private shipping which is being transformed in the same way; and whether this will have the effect of seriously raising the cost of all freights carried and thus increase the price of all goods brought into this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir. I am not aware that the current price is as stated in the first part of the question, and the second part does not therefore arise. With regard to the third part, I have no official knowledge as to the conversion of private shipping.
§ Mr. EDWARDSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of the United States Government has advised the heads of the Navy and other ship Departments to transform ships so as to provide for coal burning?