HC Deb 01 December 1926 vol 200 cc1188-9
50. Mr. J. HUDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Sir Alan Cobham was prevented from using the petrol which the Australian Commonwealth public refineries at Sir Alan's request had deposited at the necessary landing points of the flight through Australia by a notification from the oil companies that if Australian oil was used, they would refuse to let him have the petrol he would need on the return flight to London; and whether, in the interests of civil aviation, he proposes to take any action with these oil companies when further contracts for the supply of oil to the British Government are being considered?

Sir S. HOARE

I have no official information on this subject.

Mr. HUDSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question repeats the facts given exactly in the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, and does he not consider it his duty, in the interests of the Empire, to discover the extent of the action of the oil companies in interfering with this great Imperial enterprise of Sir Alan Cobham?

Sir S. HOARE

No, I do not think it is my duty. I have no official information. If the hon. Member wishes me to obtain official information, I am quite willing to do so, bur I entirely repudiate the suggestion in the supplementary question he has just asked.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the statement made by Mr. Bruce in the House of Representatives in Australia on the 3rd August on this subject, and could he not make inquiries and publish the facts to the people of this country, giving the names of the capitalist patriots who did this?

Sir S. HOARE

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given. I have no official information.

Mr. JOHNSTON

I will give you it.

Mr. HUDSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the Australian authorities regarding this matter?

Mr. JOHNSTON

Ask Bruce for it.

Sir S. HOARE

I will consider that point.

Mr. JOHNSTON

On a point of Order. Are we not entitled, on an important matter of this kind, to have a direct answer from the Government as to whether they will or will not get this information?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Government are entitled to say that they will consider the question. The hon. Member can put down another question later.

Mr. HUDSON

I give notice that I will put the question down again.