HC Deb 18 March 1920 vol 126 cc2368-9
45. Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government, in establishing depôts and undertaking the importation, through the British Petroleum Company, of petrol and petroleum products into Belgium, are doing this as part of the consideration paid to Mr. Joseph Waterkeyn for withdrawing his objection to the taking over of the interests of the French, Russians, and his own holdings in the British Petroleum Company; is it the intention of the British Government to employ their steamers to supply the Belgian market; and will he state how this is going to benefit the consumers in Great Britain, seeing that it will further decrease the already short supply of tonnage?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; in regard to parts 2 and 3, there is no intention of using Government-owned vessels in this trade. As regards the vessels of the British Petroleum Company, it is not proposed, and would be contrary to the arrangements between His Majesty's Government and the Anglo-Persian Company, to place any such restriction on the use of their tonnage as is suggested by the hon. Member. There is no reason to anticipate that the pro-vision of tonnage required to maintain supplies to this country will be in any way affected.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Are not the tank steamers belonging to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which the Government is the principal proprietor of, being used for the purpose of supplying the Belgian market, and so hampering the British supplies?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The first part of my answer was in the negative. As to the other portions of the answer, only one steamer has gone to Belgium with oil, and that went only because there was no storage in the tanks in this country at the time.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will no other steamers be used for the purpose?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot say that.

Mr. BILLING

Why, if there is a glut of petrol, is the price constantly increasing?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

There is no glut in this country.

Mr. BILLING

You said all our tanks were full.