§ Mr. ISAACSasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the proposal to store petroleum at the Royal Terrace Pier, Gravesend, and is he aware of the opposition of 2260W residents, pilots, and owners of boats in the locality who have petitioned the local authority not to issue a licence for such storage in a residential area; that questions have been raised as to the safety of the arrangements for removal of the petroleum from the tanks to ships; and, in view of the alarm of the people, will he order an inquiry into the safety of the locality and the advisability of such storage in an area of this character, and so prohibit the use of the tanks until any such inquiry is completed and his decision on the matter reported to the local authority?
Mr. DAVIESI have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has not previously been drawn to this proposal. The administration of the Petroleum Acts is vested in the local authorities, and my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere except in the event of the refusal of the local authorities to grant a licence when the applicants have a right of appeal to the Secretary of State.