§ 30. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the maximum capacity of the British-owned refineries at Haifa for the refining of crude oil; and what was the value of crude oil refined there from 1st January, 1947, to 31st December, 1947, and from 1st January, 1949, to 31st December, 1949.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerIn normal conditions, the Haifa refineries can treat about 4 million tons of crude oil a year. American companies have a right to about a quarter of the products. The value of the British share of the products at present f.o.b. prices, was about £17,500,000 in 1947, and about £600,000 in 1949.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that this means a loss to us of about 50 million dollars and also a loss of petrol; and will he or his right hon. Friends do something to clear up this very serious position?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNobody can desire more ardently than I that the Haifa refineries should be restarted. It would be a major improvement in our international economic position. It is not my responsibility to do it, but I am sure that if my hon. Friend will make useful suggestions to my colleagues they will be very glad.
Mr. G. LloydIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this refinery has a capacity of some 800,000 tons of petroleum which, together with the Chancellor's recent concession, would enable the Government to quadruple the petrol ration?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCertainly, it would be very important.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of this grave position, will my right hon. Friend consult his colleagues with a view to not lending any further moneys to those countries responsible for stopping this supply until they allow the oil to pass through the refineries?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI do not lend the money.