§ 34. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the total petrol requirements of the sterling area; and what quantity he purchased from areas outside the sterling group.
§ Mr. GaitskellFor the year 1948, the requirements of motor spirit for the whole of the sterling area are estimated to be 9,400,000 tons. Three and a half million tons will be bought from American companies distributing in the sterling area. British companies whose production is estimated at nearly eight million tons are expected to distribute six million tons in the sterling area and to export 2½ to 3 million tons to other countries. This will involve the purchase of an additional half to one million tons from America.
§ Mr. StokesIs it not a fact that Abadan alone produces 20 million tons of crude oil a year, which in turn provides 16 million tons of petrol, so what happens to the other 7 million.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe question relates to motor spirit and not to crude oil and I have given the right figures.
§ Mr. StokesCan my right hon. Friend tell me how much petrol comes from Abadan, and, if he cannot do so now will he tell me if I put the Question down?
§ Mr. GaitskellCertainly.