HC Deb 05 March 1957 vol 566 cc165-6
20. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase in dollar expenditure for United States oil has taken place during three months ended 28th February, 1957, compared with the equivalent period a year earlier.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

About £30 million more was spent on oil in United States dollars in the three months up to 31st January, 1957. This is a gross figure and represents only one of the ways in which oil purchases affect the balance of payments. Figures for February and for United States oil purchases are not available.