§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much petrol was imported into Britain during each of the last fourth months: what was the stock in Britain at the latest available date; and what was the stock in August, 1939.
§ Mr. ShinwellAccording to the latest published information shown in the Trade and Navigation Accounts, the imports of motor spirit into this country during the months July to October inclusive were:
Tons. July 488,000 August 248,000 September 242,000 October 375,000 These figures include imports to meet military requirements.
Stocks of petroleum products held in this country are never published, and a recent review has led to the conclusion that it would not be in the public interest to depart from this practice. I am not therefore able to give the information asked for in the second and third parts of the question.