§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Power what were the imports of oil from the Middle East during the year ended December, 1966; what was the total cost; and how much he estimates an increase of £2 per ton in transport charges will affect the import costs of oil at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. MarshImports of oil from the Middle East in 1966 were 44,469,000 tons valued at £259 million c.i.f. The cost to the balance of payments was considerably less than this valuation, though it is not possible to give an estimate.
As regards more recent import costs I have nothing to add to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 11th July.