54. Major KELLYasked the Prime Minister whether boring for oil is still continuing in Great Britain under a Government subsidy; if so, with what result; and when will the subsidy terminate?
§ Sir R. HORNEBoring for oil is being carried out in this country by Messrs. S. Pearson & Sons, Limited, as agents for the Government under the agreement between the firm and the Minister of Munitions of 10th September, 1918, which was presented to Parliament in that year. Eight boreholes have been completed, of which one is producing oil in commercial quantities and the remaining seven are being closed down. Three other borings are still in progress. The date of the termination of the agreement must largely depend upon a settlement of the question of the ownership of the petroleum discovered, in respect of which 41 legal proceedings are now pending. In the meantime, expenditure is being reduced.