HC Deb 05 December 1956 vol 561 cc128-9W
80. Mr. Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now give further details about the negotiations for the purchase of oil from the United States of America to help in the present oil crisis.

Commander Noble

As the House will be aware, the Director of Defence Mobilisation in the United States announced on 30th November that he had requested the Secretary of the Interior to authorise fifteen United States oil companies to coordinate the efforts they have been making individually to assist in handling the oil supply problem resulting from the closing of the Suez Canal and some pipelines in the Middle East.

The contemplated co-ordination of the United States oil industry's efforts will ensure a more efficient use of tankers and an improvement in the availability of petroleum.

Whilst this is most welcome news from the United States, indicating, as it does, a willingness to assist in meeting the needs of countries which are facing deficiencies, it will take time for this effort to become effective. We are in the meantime keeping in close touch with developments.