§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that under the Anglo-Russian trade agreement of 1921 petrol is being distributed in this country by a company formed in London by agents of the Soviet Government; that this petrol is being obtained from confiscated oil wells in Russia belonging to British companies, and is being sold at such low prices as to endanger the 2713W existence of a Scottish industry giving employment to many Scotsmen; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking some action to check this competition?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKThe answer to the first part is in the affirmative. It is understood that the petrol is obtained from crude oil won indiscriminately from the nationalised properties of various companies British and foreign. The petrol is being sold within restricted areas at a price below the normal, but there is no reason to believe that the quantities involved are sufficient to imperil the Scottish shale industry. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which wore given to the hon. Member for Newcastle (North) on 26th November, and 1st December.