§ Mr. R. Morganasked the President of the Board of Trade how much oil was imported into Great Britain from 1915 to 1918; how much of the oil consigned to the United Kingdom during these years was lost as a result of enemy action; and what steps he is proposing to take to prevent so large a percentage of loss in any future war?
§ Mr. CrossThe aggregate imports of petroleum into the United Kingdom during the four years 1915 to 1918, as published in the trade returns, amounted to 3,191 million gallons. Prior to 1st July, 1917, the published figures excluded petroleum which, at the time of importation, was known to be the property of His Majesty's Government or the Governments of the Allies, and the above figure is therefore to some extent defective. I regret that the information requested in the second part of the question is not available. The last part of the question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.