§ 7. Mr. Priceasked the Secretary for Mines the amount of oil sold and the amount already delivered to Japan during the period from September, 1939, to March, 1940, by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company; what are the holdings of His Majesty's Government in this oil company; whether such sales were made with the knowledge of His Majesty's Government; and whether any special price concessions have been involved?
§ Mr. LloydI have ascertained from the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company that they are supplying certain quantities of Iranian oil to Japan on a purely commercial basis. Although the Government have a majority holding in the company, they have announced from time to time that their policy is not to interfere with the commercial activities of this company, and I regret that I am not able to give details concerning the supplies now being made.
§ Mr. PriceIs the hon. Member aware that transactions of this kind create a very bad impression in the United States, where the action of His Majesty's Government, or of this company, is watched very closely?
§ Mr. DaltonCan we be assured that no supplies are going to Germany, either directly or indirectly?