§ 53. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Power what steps he is taking to ensure that the United Kingdom becomes less dependent upon sources of oil supply in the Middle East which have proved liable to total or partial restriction for political reasons.
§ 55. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Power whether he will make a statement concerning Middle East oil supplies to Great Britain following blockage of the Suez Canal, the passage of oil round the Cape and the severance of oil supplies to Great Britain from certain Middle East countries; and what estimate he has made of petrol price increases in Great Britain consequent upon these disturbances.
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§ Mr. FreesonSome shortfall in normal supplies is already being experienced not only in the U.K. but also in Western Europe as a result of the need to reroute tankers.
Additional costs are being incurred by the oil supplying companies and my right hon. Friend is considering urgently with the oil industry what price increases will be necessary and how best to apply them.