§ 75. Mr. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information in connection with the building of an oil-tanker 1962 in Italy for the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company, London; the reason why this ship was built in Italy; the date of the laying of the keel; and the date of the launch?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member refers to the oil tanker regarding which a question was addressed to me on 9th March last by the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. Short), I can only refer him as regards the first and second part of his question to the answer which was given on that date. I have no official information on the points raised in the last two parts of the question.
§ Mr. THORNEWas it not due simply to the fact that Italy was not in a position to pay the people entitled to have the money, and that they had to make a bargain to get this tanker built, otherwise they would not get anything?
§ Sir A. WILSONWill the right hon. Gentleman make similar inquiries with regard to the purchase of matches by the Co-operative Wholesale Society on a similar system?