HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2123-4

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of COMMANDER MAITLAND:

62. To ask the Minister of Fuel and Power what supplies of kerosene are at present in Malta; and what arrangements have been made to ensure that there is no diminuation in supplies owing to the closing down of the Haifa Refinery.

Commander Maitland

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I have an answer to Question No. 62? May I have your guidance?

Mr. Speaker

If the Minister is not here, he cannot give an answer. Perhaps the answer will be sent to the hon. and gallant Member.

Commander Maitland

This Question affects Malta. If I cannot get this Question in again before the Recess how long shall I have to wait?

Mr. Assheton

Is it possible that the Minister of Fuel and Power is taking the rare opportunity of having a bath?

Mr. Speaker

As we have not finished the hour for Questions yet, and as there is a Private Notice Question down, I hope the answer will have arrived by the time it is answered, and then the hon. and gallant Member can ask his Question.

Later—

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Robens)

I hope the House will accept my apology for not having been here when Question No. 62 was originally called.

It would not be desirable on security grounds to state what stocks of kerosene exist in Malta. As regards the second part of the Question, I am informed that the supplying companies have arranged to provision Malta from sources in the Persian Gulf.

Commander Maitland

Does the Minister realise that about 90 per cent, of the cooking in Malta is done by kerosene? It is, indeed, the lifeblood of the island. Will he take particular care to see that the Island gets its full supply in all circumstances?

Mr. Robens

We are well aware of those facts. We have no reason to believe that the oil companies are not meeting the essential requirements of the Island.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister aware of the serious effect this diminution will have upon unemployment, which is already a very serious problem in Malta?

Mr. Robens

Yes, Sir.