§ 5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that negotiations for the sale of Russian oil have been in progress between the Russia Naphtha Syndicate, a Soviet Government organisation, and the oil group of which the Anglo-Persian 359 Oil Company is a member; and whether any steps have been taken to safeguard the rights of British subjects who claim compensation for the loss of their oil interests in Russia?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have no information in regard to these matters beyond what has appeared in the Press.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI understand that the point raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman is a commercial matter with which we pledged ourselves not to interfere.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor was far more jealous of British rights in this matter?
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONIs not this corner in oil a perfect example of rationalisation in industry?