HC Deb 10 December 1928 vol 223 cc1671-2
6. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been settled that the oil pipe-line from Iraq is to dehouch at Haifa?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir; so far as I know no decision in the matter has yet been reached by the oil company concerned.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the question still a subject of discussion between this Government and the French Government or has this point been settled?

Mr. AMERY

It is not a matter for discussion between Governments. It is a question for the company to consider in its own interests.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

The company is controlled by the British Government, is it not; and therefore may I ask whether the British Government itself is interested in where this pipe-line debouches?

Mr. AMERY

The right hon. and gallant Member is mistaken. The company is not controlled in any sense by the British Government.