HC Deb 26 May 1927 vol 206 cc2180-1
43. Mr. GILLETT

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of oil received in this country from Russia during the last six months, and the figures for a similar period during the previous year?

Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Before this question is answered, may I ask whether the Russian oil referred to is not the oil that was stolen?

Mr. SPEAKER

I must see that question before I allow it to be put.

Sir B. CHADWICK

Imports of refined petroleum consigned from Russia amounted to 62.5 million gallons in the six months ended April, 1927, and to 31.3 million gallons in the six months ended April, 1926. Imports of crude petroleum from Russia were negligible in both periods.

Mr. HAYES

Is the hon. Member aware that the Liverpool City Council, on which the dominant party is Conservative, have bought considerable quantities of Russian oil products, and have declined to listen to the ravings of the "Clear-out-the-Reds" movement?

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

May I ask for an answer to my question, whether this is not stolen oil?

Mr. SPEAKER

I should like to see that question before it is asked.

Sir F. HALL

We do not want to buy stolen property.