§ 1. Commander Viscount CURZONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, at the earliest possible moment, take steps to have the Report of the Profiteering Committee on Petrol and other Motor Fuels brought before the Economic Section of the League of Nations for consideration?
§ 4. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take on the findings of the Petrol Committee?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)I do not propose to take the initiative in bringing the Report of the Motor Fuel Sub-Committee to the notice of the Economic Section of the League of Nations. As regards the recommendations relating to power alcohol, I must refer to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the Kirk-dale Division on the 4th March. The other recommendations of the Sub-Committee are being carefully examined, but the whole question is surrounded with difficulties—some of which are indicated in the covering letter from the Standing Committee on the Investigation of Prices—and I am not at present prepared to say what action it will be possible to take.
§ Viscount CURZONCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication how it will be possible to bring the whole subject before the Economic Council of the League of Nations?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat question has to be settled by a higher authority than myself.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that as the hon. Gentleman is not proposing to bring that matter before the Economic Council he is proposing no other steps in the meantime?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that 12 years have elapsed since the Government began to consider this question? Is there any hope that a decision will be reached soon?