Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if any new oil wells have been opened in this country during the last three months; if the amount of oil obtained shows any increase during that time; if the latest reports of experts give any hopes of any consider- 1778W able extension; and in what form is the oil now obtained utilised?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to reply. No new oil wells have been commenced during the last three months, but drilling is in progress at nine wells; oil is still being obtained from one well only and at the same rate; no opinion can usefully be expressed as to future prospects until the present borings have been completed. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Battersea South (Viscount Curzon) on the 11th May.