§ 34. Sir B. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade the proportion of imports of oil into this country carried in British and foreign-owned ships, respectively; and, in the case of the foreign ships, what proportion of them has been built in Great Britain?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)The information in the Department is for the year 1929, arid shows that about 70 per cent. of the bulk oil imported in that year was carried in British and about 30 per cent. in foreign vessels. Of the foreign vessels about 30 per cent. were built in this country.
§ Sir B. PETOWill the hon. Gentleman expedite the production of more recent figures, in view of the terrible condition of shipping in this country, and of the unemployment position?
§ Dr. BURGINI am afraid that the expenditure of time and labour involved would be disproportionate to the results.