§ Mr. HOLLANDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the gallonage of oil obtained from the Hardstoft oil wells, Derbyshire, for the years 1933, 1934, and 1936; and, if the supplies are still favourable, will he consider further development in this district?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe average annual production of crude oil at the Hardstoft well during the last three years has been about 10,000 gallons. With regard to the second part of the question, the object of the Petroleum (Production)640W Act, 1934, was to establish conditions which would encourage those who were willing and qualified to do so, to undertake such work, but it is not intended that His Majesty's Government should itself undertake oil prospecting or development work in this country.