Clash Over Petrol In Australian House

Chronicle (Levin), 11 June 1949, Page 7

Clash Over Petrol In Australian House

Received Friday, 7.30 p.m. j CANBERRA, Juiie 10. Mr. Chifley and Mr. Fadden clashed sharply in. the House of Representatives today on the question of Britain^supplying petrol to the Argentine. Mr. F'adden asked why Britain was supplying 5,700,000 tons of petrol to the Argentine and if Britain was also supplying petrol in increetsing quantities to Italy when it -apparently was unwilling that Australia shbuld iinport more. "is the Prime Mini'ster aware that, Decause of the repair of the Ilaiia pipeline, there is an additional 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 to'ns of petrol yearly available from which Australia previously drew supplies 1" Mr. Chifley said that to enable British people to obtain a reasonable ration of meat, a trade arrangenient had been made with the Argentine under which Britain had agreed to supply commodities, including certain , oil products. The British Government was gettmg something absolutely essential. Mr. Fadden (interjeeting) : "They're getting nothing from us, of course. lt would take only a small amount of petrol to meet non-rationed needs in Australia. , , s/ . Mr. Chifley: The agreement with tfle Argentine is absolutely necessary to sustain the minimum living standard m Britain. Italy does not receiv e an\ . refined petrol but does the reflning herself. Mr. Beale (Liberal): Thfere is no rationing in Italy.