§ 24. Mr. Nigel Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities of oil have been shipped to China from Hong Kong since 1st October, 1950: and whether steps are being taken to stop further shipments.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThere have been no shipments of petroleum oils from Hong Kong to China since 1st October, 1950, except for 308 gallons of petrol in December to repay a loan made by the Chinese authorities to a British salvage vessel. The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."
§ Mr. DaviesIs the Minister aware that there is a feeling among oil executives in the United States that the Chinese are getting oil through Hong Kong? Is his answer to be taken as an absolute assertion that there is no possibility of this whatsoever, apart from the minor exception he has mentioned?
§ Mr. GriffithsApart from the exception, the answer is as given, that since 1st October, 1950, there have been no shipments.
§ 25. Mr. Nigel Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities of oil were imported into Hong Kong in the months of October, November and December, 1949, and 1950 respectively.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe import figures, by quantity, of petroleum oils into Hong Kong are not yet available in London for the months of October to December, 1950. I am obtaining the figures from Hong Kong and will send them to the hon. Member, with comparative figures for 1949, as soon as possible.