§ 18. Mr. Rankinasked the President of the Boa rd of Trade what arrangements he has sanctioned for licences for the sale of petrol from Italy in Great Britain, other than petrol deriving from Soviet sources.
§ Mr. ErrollNo licences are required for such imports.
§ Mr. RankinI take it that the oil is coming. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not so long ago his predecessor stated that in this country oil was running out of our ears? Is the right hon. Gentleman now bringing it in from Italy so that oil will run from our noses, too?
§ Mr. ErrollIn pursuance of our policy of free competition in this country being the best way of serving the public need, we see no objection to the company called A.G.I.P. finding an outlet for retail sales in this country.
§ Mr. RankinWill the right hon. Gentleman tell me how our policy of free competition harmonises with our policy of restricted exports?
§ Mr. SpeakerNo, not on this Question.
§ Mr. RankinSurely that is pertinent to the Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question is about licensing arrangements for the sale of petrol.