HC Deb 20 June 1933 vol 279 cc630-1
20. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what circumstances Russian Oil Products, Limited, are still obtaining-petroleum for distribution throughout. Great Britain?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No licences for the importation of Russian petroleum oils have been issued by the Board of Trade under Section 2 of the Russian. Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933. It may be that Russian Oil Products,. Limited, are importing supplies from non-Russian sources.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that R.O.P. petrol, under the description "Renowned of Petrols," is still being sold all through the country in large quantities; and does he think that that is satisfactory, in view of the prohibition of the import of Russian materials?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I can only say that it cannot be imported from Russia, because since the date of the embargo no licences have been issued.

Captain P. MACDONALD

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Russian Government are using other countries, such as Persia, as a means of exporting their products to this country?

Mr. E. EVANS

Does not this show that the embargo is a complete farce?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No, Sir.

30. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of petroleum oils have been imported into this country from Russia since the Royal Proclamation of 19th April last, prohibiting the import of petroleum oils from Russia; and whether such oil has been imported under licence given under Section 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act; and, if so, how many licences and for what quantities have been granted since 19th April last?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The prohibition to which my hon. Friend refers took effect on 26th April, and as from that date Russian petroleum oils could not be imported except under licence. No such licences have been issued.

Sir B. PETO

Is my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that, although no Russian oil can be imported except under licence, as a matter of fact no Russian oils have been imported, and, if so, can he tell us from what source the Russian oil products organisations throughout the country are still selling the full volume that they sold before exactly as if no embargo had been imposed?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I can only tell my hon. Friend that it must be from a non-Russian source.

Sir B. PETO

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-morrow.