§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any rise this year in freight charges on oil cargoes; whether any countries are building up large reserves of oil; if any shortage of tanker tonnage is anticipated in consequence; and, if so, what steps are being taken to meet such shortage?
§ Dr. BurginThere has been a substantial increase in the rates of freight paid for oil cargoes since the beginning of the year. With regard to the remaining
1882Woalloys) and of steel ingots and castings in the countries specified, and the average prices in Great Britain of certain descriptions of pig iron and steel billets, in each year from 1932 to 1936.
parts of the question, there is an increased demand generally for tanker tonnage, but my right hon. Friend does not think that any special steps on the part of His Majesty's Government are necessary to meet the situation.