§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any scientific exploration of potential oil-bearing strata has been, or is being, carried out in the Colonies or on the Continent of Africa.
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have been asked to reply. A great deal of exploratory work in connection with the search for oil has already been carried out in the Colonies, including those in Africa, but it has been interrupted by the war and the necessity for concentrating available resources of men and material on producing oilfields. It is, however, intended to resume the work as soon as circumstances permit.