§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that oil imports from the Middle East during 1966 totally 44,469,000 tons; and, in view of the fact that the cost of transport has risen by £2 per ton due to the Suez war, what action he has taken, or intends to take, to offset the £88,938,000 per annum increased costs to the balance of payments or to prevent this additional drain on the currency reserves.
§ Mr. CallaghanI have been asked to reply.
I accept my hon. Friend's figures for our imports of oil from the Middle East last year. But the pattern of supply at present is different and I have the balance of payments aspect of this situation under close review.