§ 24. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the petrol consumption in the Royal Air Force in 1933, 1934, and 1935, together with the average price per gallon paid in each year?
§ Sir P. SassoonIt would not be in the public interest to give the information requested. The estimated annual expenditure on petrol is shown in the Air Estimates.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Baronet aware that the Admiralty gives corresponding information; and is he further aware that a trade journal has stated that the Air Ministry gave this precise information in response to an inquiry from them; and why cannot information which is given in the case of the Admiralty and given to trade journals be given to this House?
§ Sir P. SassoonI cannot answer for the Admiralty. In this case it would not be in the public interest to give the information, because it would be giving information to other countries which it is not thought desirable that they should have.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIn that case will the right hon. Baronet take steps to see that the public interest is equally protected in the case of inquiries from trade journals as in the case of inquiries in this House?
§ Sir P. SassoonI must have notice of that question.