§ 54. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement about the long-term effect on British oil supplies of the closing of the Suez Canal and of the refusal of certain Arab Governments to supply oil to this country.
§ Mr. MarshI think it would be preferable for me not to speculate on this in present circumstances though my Department is considering all the implications.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power, in view of the cutting off of oil supplies from the Middle East to Great Britain, what steps he plans to maintain the oil requisite for British needs.
§ Mr. MarshI am in close touch with the oil companies about oil supplies and their plans for meeting the country's requirements from alternative sources. Stocks in this country are strong.