§ 21. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct Her Majesty's Government's representative on the Coal Committee of 931 the Economic Commission for Europe to press for the publication of the Report on the effect of international oil cartels on European prices, particularly as parts of it have already appeared in the Press.
§ 29. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decision was reached by Her Majesty's Government following consideration of the document prepared by the Secretariat of the Economic Commission for Europe alleging unreasonably high prices for petroleum products; what decision was reached by the Coal Commission for Europe at their meetings on 9th and 10th March; and what action was taken by our representative at the meeting to request permission to place a copy of the Report in the Library for the information of Members.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)At its meeting on 9th March, the Coal Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe invited the Secretariat promptly to publish on their own responsibility the document in its present form. When the document is published, I will make copies available in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. ChapmanWhat view was put to the Committee by Her Majesty's Government's representative about the desirability for action on this Report—namely, on the allegation that Middle-Eastern oil which now supplies three quarters of Europe's needs is being kept artificially high in price by an American-dominated cartel? We should like to know what action the Government want to take.
§ Mr. TurtonThe hon. Gentleman would be well advised to read the Report before he starts asking questions about it.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the hon. Gentleman answer the Question? What was the advice given to the representative who went to the Committee on 9th and 10th March? Surely the Government have discussed the matter and come to a decision.
§ Mr. TurtonIt is not the practice of the Government—and it has not been the practice of any previous Government—to divulge our instructions to delegates to international conferences.
§ Mr. StokesIs not it a fact that whereas oil in a tanker in the Middle East costs 932 £1 a ton, it costs over £3 10s. a ton in the Gulf of Mexico, and that the price is artificially kept up at £4 10s. a ton to keep the American companies in business? I have asked this question twice before and got no satisfactory reply.
§ Mr. TurtonIf the right hon. Gentleman directs his query to another Department, he may have more hope of a satisfactory reply.
§ Mr. StokesI have tried that.
§ Mr. DoddsOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply,I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment on Friday.