HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc737-8
39. Captain P. Macdonald

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent decision of the Glasgow Corporation Transport Sub-Committee to purchase 2,200,000 gallons of diesel oil from Russia instead of from one of the British companies, he proposes to take any steps to ensure that this Russian oil will at least be imported in British vessels?

Mr. Stanley

It is not within my power to ensure that this oil will be imported in British vessels; but I have forwarded my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to the Glasgow Corporation, and I hope that it will receive their sympathetic consideration.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is it not the case that the Corporation of Glasgow have nothing to do with the vessels bringing the oil over, and that two-thirds of this oil which has already been supplied has been brought to this country in British and Russian ships?

Mr. Stanley

What I have done has been to ask the Corporation of Glasgow to do what I am sure they will do, that is, to see that, if it is within their power, British ships will be used.

Mr. Maclean

Will the Minister see to it that every other company and corporation in this country which orders goods from abroad will insist on those goods being brought in British ships?

Mr. Stanley

I certainly hope that every company and every individual will do what I am sure the Glasgow Corporation will do, and that is to give sympathetic consideration to British shipping.

Captain Macdonald

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Glasgow Corporation how they expect to maintain employment on the Tyneside if they are going to buy oil from abroad?