§ 11. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware 771 that Denmark was in possession of 240,000 tons of motor spirit and 160,000 tons of Diesel oil when she was invaded by the Germans; whether he is aware that this is a year's supply for Denmark; and why Denmark was permitted to accumulate so large a reserve?
§ Mr. CrossAccording to my information, stocks of petroleum products in Denmark on the date of the German invasion were very much smaller than is suggested by the figures given in the hon. Member's Question. The total stocks of all petroleum products in Denmark on the date of the German invasion were probably not more than 200,000 tons, which is equivalent on the average to 3½ months' requirements at the estimated rate of consumption before the invasion. Stocks of motor spirit amounted to 80,000 tons, equivalent to slightly under four months' requirements. Separate figures for Diesel oil are not available, but stocks of gas, fuel and Diesel oil together amounted to 61,000 tons, equivalent to 2½ months' requirements. On the basis of the known stocks of Diesel oil on 1st February, of this figure probably not more than 20,000 tons is represented by Diesel oil.
§ Mr. ShinwellAccepting the corrected figures, which I naturally do, can the hon. Member say whether in the future he proposes to take action in order to ration certain countries which depend upon oil supplies derived from the British Empire, in order to prevent a recurrence of what has happened, which enabled the enemy to obtain large suplies of oil?
§ Mr. CrossThat matter is under consideration. I would point out that in the case of Denmark stocks were a little less at the time of the occupation than they were at the outbreak of war.