§ Mr. W. CARTERasked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the concentration of the world's petrol supply in the hands of the Standard Oil and Royal Dutch Shell groups, the economic section of the League of Nations will take steps and organise jointly, on the part of the consuming countries of the world, to control petrol prices?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have been asked to reply. As at present advised, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by referring this question to the Economic and Financial Committee of the League of Nations.
§ Mr. WATERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the statements in the second Report of the Sub-Committee concerning motor fuel, effective steps will be taken to prevent profiteering in the sale of petrol, which places an undue burden upon industry and is therefore conducive to unemployment?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe Profiteering Acts have been applied to motor spirit. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines, in answer to a 587W question by the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Sir J. D. Rees) on the 17th instant, it is not practicable to attempt to control prices in view of our serious dependence at the present time on foreign sources of supply.